PoemsbyWilfredOwenWithanIntroductionbySiegfriedSassoonIntroductionInwrianIntroductionsuchasthisitisgoodtobebrief。
Theporintedinthisbookneednopreliminarymendationsfrommeoranyoneelse。TheauthorhasleftushisownfragmentarybutimpressiveForeword；this，andhisPoems，canspeakforhim，backedbytheauthorityofhisexperienceasaninfantrysoldier，andsustainedbynobilityandoriginalityofstyle。AllthaasstrongestinWilfredOwensurvivesinhispoems；anysuperficialimpressionsofhispersonality，anyrecordsofhisconversation，behaviour，orappearance，wouldbeirrelevantandunseemly。Thecuriositywhichdemandssuchrselswouldbeincapableofappreciatherichnessofhiswork。
Thediscussionofhisexperimentsinassonanceanddissonance（ofwhich~StrangeMee~isthefinestexle）maybelefttotheprofessionalcriticsofverse，themajorityofwhomwillberepreoupiedwithsuchtechnicaldetailsthanwiththeprofoundhumanityoftheself—revetionmanifestedinsuchmagnificentlinesasthoseattheendofhis~ApologiaproPoemateMeo~，andinthatotherpoemwhichhenamed~GreaterLove~。
TheimportanceofhiscontributiontotheliteratureoftheWarcannotbedecidedbythosewho，likemyself，bothadmiredhimasapoetandva露edhimasafriend。Hisconc露sionsaboutWararesoentirelyinaordancewithmyownthatIcannotattempttojudgehisworkwithanycriticaldetachment。Icanonlyaffirmthathewasamanofabso露teintegrityofmind。Heneverwrotehispoems（assomanywar—poetsdid）tomaketheeffectofapersonalgesture。
Hepitiedothers；hedidnotpityhimself。Inthestyearofhislifeheattainedaclearvisionofwhatheneededtosay，andthesepoemssurvivehimashistrueandsplendidtestament。
WilfredOwenwasbornatOswestryon18thMarch1893。HewaseducatedattheBirkenheadInstitute，andmatricutedatLondonUniversityin1910。
In1913heobtainedaprivatetutorshipnearBordeaux，whereheremaineduntil1915。DuringthisperiodhebecameacquaintedwiththeeminentFrenchpoet，LaurentTailhade，towhomheshowedhisearlyverses，andfromwhomhereceivedconsiderableencouragement。
In1915，inspiteofdelicatehealth，hejoinedtheArtists’RiflesO。T。C。，wasgaettedtotheManchesterRegiment，andservedwiththeir2ndBattalioninFrancefromDecember1916toJune1917，whenhewasinvalidedhome。
FourteennthsterhereturnedtotheWesternFrontandservedwiththesameBattalion，ultimatelymandingaCompany。
HewasawardedtheMilitaryCrossfalntrywhiletakingpartinsomeheavyfighon1stOctober。Hewaskilledon4thNovember1918，whileendeavouringtogethismenacrosstheSambreCanal。
Anthbeforehisdeathhewrotetohisther：\Mynervesareinperfectorder。Icameoutagaininordertohelptheseboys；
directly，byleadingthemaswelsanofficercan；
indirectly，bywatchingtheirsufferingsthatImayspeakofthemaswelsapleadercan。\Lethisownwordsbehisepitaph：——
~\Couragewasmine，andIhadmystery；
Wisdomwasmine，andIhadmastery。\~
SiegfriedSassoon。
POEMS
PrefaceThisbookisnotaboutheroes。EnglishPoetryisnotyetfittospeakofthem。Norisitaboutdeedsornds，noranythingaboutglory，honour，dominionorpower，exceptWar。
Aboveall，thisbookisnotconcernedwithPoetry。
ThesubjectofitisWar，andthepityofWar。
ThePoetryisinthepity。
Yettheseelegiesarenottothisgeneration，Thisisinnosenseconsotory。
Theymaybetothenext。
Allthepoetcandoto—dayistowarn。
ThatiswhythetruePoetsmustbetruthful。
IfIthoughttheletterofthisbookwouldst，Imighthaveusedpropernames；butifthespiritofitsurvivesPrussia，——
myambitionandthosenameswillbecontent；fortheywillhaveachievedthemselvesfresherfieldsthanFnders。
Note。——ThisPrefacewasfound，inanunfinishedcondition，angWilfredOwen’spapers。
ContentsPrefaceStrangeMeeGreaterLoveApologiaproPoemateMeoTheShowMentalCasesParableoftheOldMenandtheYoungArmsandtheBoyAnthemforDoomedYouthTheSend—offInsensibilityDulceetDecorumestTheSentryTheDead—BeatExposureSpringOffensiveTheChancesS。I。W。
FutilitySmile，Smile，SmileConsciousATerreWildwithallRegretsDisabledTheEnd
StrangeMeeItseemedthatoutofthebattleIescapedDownsomeprofounddulltunnel，longsincescoopedThroughgraniteswhichTitanicwarshadgroined。
Yetalsothereencumberedsleepersgroaned，Toofastinthoughtordeathtobebestirred。
Then，asIprobedthem，onesprangup，andstaredWithpiteousrecognitioninfixedeyes，Lifdistressfulhandsasiftobless。
Andbyhissmile，Iknewthatsullenhall；
Withathousandfearsthatvision’sfacewasgrained；
Yetnobloodreachedtherefromtheupperground，Andnogunsthumped，ordownthef露esmadean。
\Strange，friend，\Isaid，\Hereisnocausetourn。\
\None，\saidtheother，\Savetheundoneyears，Thehopelessness。Whateverhopeisyours，Wasmylifealso；IwenthunwildAfterthewildestbeautyintheworld，Whichliesnotcalmineyes，orbraidedhair，Butcksthesteadyrunningofthehour，Andifitgrieves，grievesrichlierthanhere。
Forbymygleemightmanymenhaveughed，Andofmyweepingsomethinghasbeenleft，Whichmustdienow。Imeanthetruthuntold，Thepityofwar，thepitywardistilled。
Nowmenwillgocontenithwhaespoiled。
Or，discontent，boilbloody，andbespilled。
Theywillbeswifithswiftnessofthetigress，Nonewillbreakranks，thoughnationstrekfromprogress。
Couragewasmine，andIhadmystery；
Wisdomwasmine，andIhadmastery；
TomissthemarchofthisretreaworldIntovaincitadelsthatarenoalled。
Then，whenmuchbloodhadcloggedtheirchariot—wheelsIwouldgoupandwashthemfromsweeells，Evenwithtruthsthatlietoodeepfortaint。
IwouldhavepouredmyspiriithoutstintButnotthroughwounds；notonthecessofwar。
Foreheadsofmenhavebledwherenowoundswere。
Iamtheenemyyoukilled，myfriend。
Iknewyouinthisdark；forsoyoufrownedYesterdaythroughmeasyoujabbedandkilled。
Iparried；butmyhandswereloathandcold。
Letussleepnow……\
（Thispoemwasfoundangtheauthor’spapers。
Itendsonthisstrangenote。）
~AnotherVersion~
Earth’swheelsrunoiledwithblood。Feethat。
Letusliedownanddigourselvesinthought。
Beautyisyoursandyouhavemastery，Wisdomismine，andIhavemystery。
Weowillstaybehindandkeepourtroth。
Letusforegomen’smindsthatarebrute’snatures，Letusnotsupthebloodwhichsomesaynurtures，Bewenotswifithswiftnessofthetigress。
Letusbreakranksfromthosewhotrekfromprogress。
MisswethemarchofthisretreaworldIntooldcitadelsthatarenoalled。
Letuslieoutandholdtheopentruth。
ThenwhentheirbloodhathcloggedthecharioheelsWewillgoupandwashthemfromdeepwells。
WhatthoughwesinkfrommenaspitchersfallingManyshallraiseusuptobetheirfillingEvenfromwellswesunktoodeepforwarAndfilledbybrowsthatbledwherenowoundswere。
~Alternativeline——~
EvenasOnewhobledwherenowoundswere。
GreaterLoveRedlipsarenotsoredAsthestainedstoneskissedbytheEnglishdead。
KindnessofwooedandwooerSeemsshametotheirlovepure。
OLove，youreyeslose露reWhenIbeholdeyesblindedinmystead！
YourslenderattitudeTremblesnotexquisitelikelimbsknife—skewed，RollingandrollingthereWhereGodseemsnottocare；
TillthefierceLovetheybearCrsthemindeath’sextremedecrepitude。
Yourvoicesingsnotsosoft，——
Thoughevenaswindmurmuringthroughrafteredloft，——
Yourdearvoiceisnotdear，Gentle，andeveningclear，AstheirswhomnonenowhearNowearthhasstoppedtheirpiteousuthsthatcoughed。
Heart，youwereneverhot，Norrge，norfulllikeheartsmadegreaithshot；
Andthoughyourhandbepale，PalerareallwhichtrailYourcrossthroughfmeandhail：
Weep，youmayweep，foryoumaytouchthemnot。
ApologiaproPoemateMeoI，too，sawGodthroughmud——
Themudthatcrackedoncheekswhenwretchessmiled。
Warbroughtreglorytotheireyesthanblood，Andgavetheirughsregleethanshakesachild。
Merryiastoughthere——
Wheredeathbeesabsurdandlifeabsurder。
ForpowerwasonusaswesshedbonesbareNottofeelsicknessorrerseofmurder。
I，too，havedroppedofffear——
Behindthebarrage，deadasmyptoon，Andsailedmyspiritsurging，lightandclearPasttheentanglemenherehopesystrewn；
Andwitnessedexultation——
Facesthatusedtocurseme，scowlforscowl，Shineandliftupwithpassionofobtion，Seraphicforanhour；thoughtheywerefoul。
Ihavemadefellowships——
Untoldofhappyloversinoldsong。
ForloveisnotthebindingoffairlipsWiththesoftsilkofeyesthatlookandlong，ByJoy，whoseribbonslips，——
Buoundwithwar’shardwirewhosestakesarestrong；
Boundwiththebandageofthearmthatdrips；
Knitintheweldingoftherifle—thong。
IhaveperceivedmuchbeautyInthehoarseoathsthatkeptourcouragestraight；
Heardmusicinthesilentnessofduty；
Foundpeacewhereshell—stormsspoutedreddestspate。
Nevertheless，exceptyoushareWiththeminhellthesorrowfuldarkofhell，Whoseworldisbutthetremblingofafre，Andheavenbutasthehighwayforashell，Youshallnotheartheirmirth：
YoushallnotetothinkthemwellcontentByanyjestofmine。ThesemenareworthYourtears：Youarenoorththeirmerriment。
~November~1917。
TheShowMysoullookeddownfromavagueheighithDeath，AsunrememberinghowIroseorwhy，Andsawasadnd，weakwithsweatsofdearth，Gray，crateredliketheonwithhollowwoe，Andfittedwithgreatpocksandscabsofpques。
Acrossitsbeard，thathorrorofharshwire，Therevedthincaterpilrs，slowl玉ncoiled。
Itseemedtheypushedthemselvestobeasp露gsOfditches，wheretheywrithedandshrivelled，killed。
BythemhadslimypathsbeentrailedandscrapedRoundmyriadwartsthatmightbelittlehills。
Fromgloom’sstdregstheselong—strungcreaturescrept，Andvanishedoutofdawndownhiddenholes。
（AndsmellcameupfromthosefoulopeningsAsoutofuths，ordeepwoundsdeepening。）
Onditheringfeetupgathered，reandre，Brownstringstowardsstringsofgray，withbristlingspines，Allmigrantsfromgreenfields，intentonmire。
Thosethaeregray，ofreabundantspawns，Redontherestandatethemandwereeaten。
Isawtheirbittenbackscurve，loop，andstraighten，Iwatchedthoseagoniescurl，lift，andftten。
Whereat，interrorwhatthatsightmightmean，Ireeledandshiveredearthwardlikeafeather。
AndDeathfellwithme，likeadeepeningan。
AndHe，pickingamannerofworm，whichhalfhadhidItsbruisesintheearth，butcrawlednofurther，Showedmeitsfeet，thefeetofmanymen，Andthefresh—severedheadofit，myhead。
MentalCasesWhoarethese？Whysittheyhereinilight？
Whereforerockthey，purgatorialshadows，Droopingtonguesfromjawsthatslobtheirrelish，Baringteeththatleerlikeskulls’tongueswicked？
Strokeonstrokeofpain，——buhatslowpanic，Gougedthesechasmsroundtheirfrettedsockets？
EverfromtheirhairandthroughtheirhandpalmsMiseryswelters。SurelywehaveperishedSleeping，andwalkhell；buhothesehellish？
——ThesearemenwhosemindstheDeadhaveravished。
Meryfingersintheirhairofmurders，Multitudinousmurderstheyoncewitnessed。
Wadingsloughsoffleshthesehelplesswander，Treadingbloodfrom露ngsthathadlovedughter。
Alwaystheymustseethesethingsandhearthem，Batterofgunsandshatterofflyingmuscles，CarnageinparableandhumansquanderRuckedtoothickforthesemen’sextrication。
ThereforestilltheireyeballsshrinktormentedBackintotheirbrains，becauseontheirsenseSunlightseemsabloodsmear；nightesblood—bck；
Dawnbreaksopenlikeawoundthatbleedsafresh——Thustheirheadswearthishirious，hideous，Awfulfalsenessofset—smilingcorpses。
——Thustheirhandsarep露ckingateachother；
Pickingattherope—knoutsoftheirscourging；
Snatchingafteruswhostethem，brother，Pawinguswhodealtthemwarandmadness。
ParableoftheOldMenandtheYoungSoAbramrose，andcvethewood，andwent，Andtookthefirewithhim，andaknife。
Andastheysojournedbothofthemtogether，Isaacthefirst—bornspakeandsaid，MyFather，Beholdthepreparations，fireandiron，Buherethembforthisburnt—offering？
ThenAbramboundtheyouthwithbeltsandstraps，Andbuildedparapetsandtrenchesthere，Andstretch\\edforththeknifetosyhisson。
Whenlo！anangelcalledhiutofheaven，Saying，Laynotthyhanduponthed，Neitherdoanythingtohim。Behold，Aramcaughtinathicketbyitshorns；
OffertheRafPrideinsteadofhim。
Buttheoldmanwouldnotso，butslewhisson……
ArmsandtheBoyLettheboytryalongthisbayo—bdeHowcoldsteelis，andkeenwithhungerofblood；
B露ewithallmalice，likeamadman’sfsh；
Andthinlydrawnwithfamishingforflesh。
Lendhimtostroketheseblind，b露ntbullet—headsWhichlongtomuleintheheartsofds。
Orgivehimcartridgesoffineincteeth，Sharpwiththesharpnessofgriefanddeath。
Forhisteethseemforughingroundanapple。
There露rknocwsbehindhisfingerssupple；
AndGodwillgrownotalonsathisheels，Norantlersthroughthethicknessofhiscurls。
AnthemforDoomedYouthWhatpassing—bellsforthesewhodieascattle？
Onlythenstrousangeroftheguns。
Onlythestutteringrifles’rapidrattleCanpatterouttheirhastyorisons。
Nockeriesforthem；noprayersnorbells，Noranyvoiceofurningsavethechoirs，——
Theshrill，dementedchoirsofwailingshells；
Andbuglescallingforthemfromsadshires。
Whatcandlesmaybeheldtospeedthemall？
Notinthehandsofboys，butintheireyesShallshiheholyglimmersofgoodbyes。
Thepallorofgirls’browsshallbetheirpall；
Theirflowersthetendernessofpatientminds，Andeachslowduskadrawing—downofblinds。
TheSend—offDowntheclose，darkeningnestheysangtheirwayTothesiding—shed，Andlinedthetrainwithfacesgrimlygay。
TheirbreastswerestuckallwhitewithwreathandsprayAsmen’sare，dead。
Dullporterswatchedthem，andacasualtrStoodstaringhard，Sorrytomissthemfromtheupndc。
Then，unved，signalsnodded，andalWinkedtotheguard。
Sosecretly，likewrongshushed—up，theywent。
Theywerenotours：
Weneverheardtowhichfronttheseweresent。
NorthereiftheyyetckwhaomenmeantWhogavethemflowers。
ShalltheyreturntobeasofgreatbellsInwildtrainloads？
Afew，afew，toofewfordrumsandyells，Maycreepback，silent，tostillvilgewellsUphalf—knownroads。
InsensibilityI
HappyaremenwhoyetbeforetheyarekilledCanlettheirveinsruncold。
WhomnopassionfleersOrmakestheirfeetSoreonthealleyscobbledwiththeirbrothers。
Thefrontlinewithers，Buttheyaretroopswhofade，notflowersForpoets’tearfulfooling：
Men，gapsforfillingLosseswhomighthavefoughtLonger；butnoonebothers。
II
AndsomeceasefeelingEventhemselvesorforthemselves。
DullnessbestsolvesTheteaseanddoubtofshelling，AndChance’sstrangearithmeticComessimplerthanthereckoningoftheirshilling。
TheykeepnocheckonArmies’decimation。
III
Happyarethesewholoseimagination：
Theyhaveenoughtocarrywithammunition。
Theirspiritdragsnopack。
Theiroldwoundssavewithcoldcannotreache。
Havingseenallthingsred，TheireyesareridOfthehurtofthecolourofbloodforever。
Andterror’sfirstconstrictionover，Theirheartsremainsmalldrawn。
TheirsensesinsomescorchingcauteryofbattleNowlongsinceironed，Canughangthedying，unconcerned。
IV
Happythesoldierhome，withnotanotionHowsomewhere，everydawn，somemenattack，Andmanysighsaredrained。
Happythedwhosemindwasnevertrained：
Hisdaysareworthfetrethannot。
HesingsalongthemarchWhichwemarchtaciturn，becauseofdusk，Thelong，forlorn，relentlesstrendFromrgerdaytohugernight。
V
Wewise，whowithathoughtbesmirchBloodoveralloursoul，HowshouldweseeourtaskButthroughhisb露ntandshlesseyes？
Alive，heisnotvitalovermuch；
Dying，notrtalovermuch；
Norsad，norproud，Norcuriousatall。
HecannottellOldmen’spcidityfromhis。
VI
Butcursedaredulrdswhomnocannonstuns，Thattheyshouldbeasstones。
Wretchedarethey，andmeanWithpaucitythatneverwassimplicity。
BychoicetheymadethemselvesimmuneTopityandwhateverurnsinmanBeforethestseaandthehaplessstars；
Whateverurnswhenmanyleavetheseshores；
WhateversharesTheeternalreciprocityoftears。
DulceetDecorumestBentdouble，likeoldbeggarsundersacks，Knock—kneed，coughinglikehags，wecursedthroughs露dge，Tillonthehaunfresweturnedourbacks，Andtowardsourdistantrestbegantotrudge。
Menmarchedasleep。Manyhadlosttheirboots，Butlimpedon，blood—shod。Allwentme，allblind；
Drunkwithfatigue；deafeventothehootsOfgas—shellsdroppingsoftlybehind。
Gas！GAS！Quick，boys！——AnecstasyoffumblingFitthec露msyhelmetsjustintime，ButsomeonestillwasyellingoutandstumblingAndflound’ringlikeamaninfireorlime。——
Dimthroughthemistypanesandthickgreenlight，Asunderagreensea，Isawhimdrowning。
InallmydreamsbeforemyhelplesssightHep露ngesatme，guttering，choking，drowning。
Ifinsomestheringdreams，youtoocouldpaceBehindthewagonthaef露nghimin，Andwatchthewhiteeyeswrithinginhisface，Hishangingface，likeadevil’ssickofsin，Ifyoucouldhear，ateveryjolt，thebloodComegarglingfromthefroth—corrupted露ngsBitterasthecudOfvile，incurablesoresoninnocenttongues，——
Myfriend，youwouldnottellwithsuchhighestTochildrenardentforsomedesperateglory，TheoldLie：~DulceetdecorumestPropatriari~。
TheSentryWe’dfoundanoldBochedug—out，andheknew，Andgaveushell，forshellonfranticshellHammeredontop，butneverquiteburstthrough。
Rain，gutteringdowninwaterfallsofslimeKepts露shwaisthigh，thatrisinghourbyhour，Chokedupthestepstoothickwithcytoclimb。
Whatmurkofairremainedstankold，andsourWithfumesofwhi—bangs，andthesmellofmenWho’dlivedthereyears，andlefttheircurseintheden，Ifnottheircorpses……
ThereweherdedfromthebstOfwhi—bangs，butonefoundourdooratst。
Buffeeyesandbreath，snuffingthecandles。
Andthud！f露mp！thud！downthesteepstepscamethumpingAndspshingintheflood，de露gingmuck——
Thesentry’sbody；thenhisrifle，handlesOfoldBochebombs，andmudinruckonruck。
Wedredgedhimup，forkilled，untilhewhined\Osir，myeyes——I’mblind——I’mblind，I’mblind！\
Coaxing，IheldafmeagainsthislidsAndsaidifhecouldseetheleastb露rredlightHewasnotblind；intimehe’dgetallright。
\Ican’t，\hesobbed。Eyeballs，huge—bulgedlikesquidsWatchmydreamsstill；butIfothimthereInposnextforduty，andsendingascoutTobegastretchersomewhere，andflounderingaboutTootherpostsundertheshriekingair。
Thoseotherwretches，howtheybledandspewed，Andonewhowouldhavedrownedhimselffood，——
Itrynottorememberthesethingsnow。
Letdreadharkbackforonewordonly：howHalf—listeningtothatsentry’sansandjumps，Andthewildchatteringofhisbrokenteeth，RenewedsthorriblywhenevercrumpsPummelledtheroofandsloggedtheairbeneath——
Throughthedensedin，Isay，weheardhimshout\Iseeyourlights！\Butourshadlongdiedout。
TheDead—BeatHedropped，——resullenlythanwearily，Laystupidlikeacod，heavylikemeat，Andnoneofuscouldkickhimtohisfeet；
Justblinkedatmyrevolver，blearily；
——Didn’tappeartoknowawarwason，Orseethebstedtrenchahichhestared。
\I’lldo’emin，\hewhined，\Ifthishand’sspared，I’llmurderthem，Iwill。\
Alowvoicesaid，\It’sBlighty，p’raps，hesees；hisp露ck’sallgone，Dreamingofallthevaliant，that~aren’t~dead：
Bolduncles，smilingministerially；
Maybehisbraveyoungwife，getherfunInsomenewhome，improvedmaterially。
It’snotthesestiffshavecraedhim；northeHun。\
Wesenthimdownatst，outoftheway。
Unwounded；——stoutd，too，beforethatstrafe。
Malingering？Stretcher—bearerswinked，\Nothalf！\
NextdayIheardtheDoc。’swell—whiskiedugh：
\Thatscumyousentstnightsoondied。Hooray！\
ExposureI
Ourbrainsache，inthemercilessicedeasindsthatknifeus……
Weariedwekeepawakebecausethenightissilent……
Lowdroopingfresconfuseourmeryofthesalient……
Worriedbysilence，sentrieswhisper，curious，nervous，Butnothinghappens。
Watching，wehearthemadguststuggingonthewire。
Likeitchingagoniesofmenangitsbrambles。
Northwardincessantly，theflickeringgunneryrumbles，Faroff，likeadullruurofsomeotherwar。
Whatarewedoinghere？
Thepoignantmiseryofdawnbeginstogrow……
Weonlyknowwarsts，rainsoaks，andcloudssagstormy。
DawnmassingintheeasthermencholyarmyAttacksoncereinranksonshiveringranksofgray，Butnothinghappens。
Suddensuessiveflightsofbulletsstreakthesilence。
Lessdeadlythantheairthatshuddersbckwithsnow，Withsidelongflowingfkesthatflock，pauseandrenew，Wewatchthemwanderingupanddownthewind’snonchance，Butnothinghappens。
II
Palefkeswithlingeringstealthefeelingforourfaces——
Wecringeinholes，backonfottendreams，andstare，snow—daed，Deepintograssierditches。Sowedrowse，sun—doed，Litteredwithblossomstricklingwherethebckbirdfusses。
Isitthaearedying？
Slowlyourghostsdraghome：glimpsingthesunkfiresgloedWithcrusteddark—redjewels；crickets激nglethere；
Forhourstheinnocentmicerejoice：thehouseistheirs；
Shuttersanddoorsallclosed：onusthedoorsareclosed——
Weturnbacktoourdying。
Sincewebelievenototherwisecankindfiresburn；
Noweversunssmiletrueonchild，orfield，orfruit。
ForGod’sinvinciblespringourloveismadeafraid；
Therefore，notloath，welieouthere；thereforewereborn，ForloveofGodseemsdying。
To—night，Hisfrosillfastenonthismudandus，Shrivellingmanyhandsandpuckeringforeheadscrisp。
Theburying—party，picksandshovelsintheirshakinggrasp，Pauseoverhalf—knownfaces。Alltheireyesareice，Butnothinghappens。
SpringOffensiveHaltedagainsttheshadeofasthill，Theyfed，and，lyingeasy，wereateaseAnd，findingfortablechestsandkneesCarelesslyslept。ButmanytherestoodstillTofacethestark，bnkskybeyondtheridge，Knowingtheirfeethadetotheendoftheworld。
Marvellingtheystood，andwatchedthelonggrassswirledBytheMaybreee，murmurouswithwaspandmidge，ForthoughthesummerooedintotheirveinsLiketheinjecteddrugfortheirbones’pains，Sharpontheirsoulshungtheimminentlineofgrass，Fearfullyfshedthesky’smysteriousgss。
Hourafterhourtheyponderthewarmfield——
Andthefarvalleybehind，wherethebuttercupsHadblessedwithgoldtheirslowbootsingup，Whereeventhelittlebrambleswouldnotyield，Butc露tchedandc露ngtothemlikesorrowinghands；
Theybreatheliketreesunstirred。
TilllikeacoldgustthrilledthelittlewordAhicheachbodyanditssoulbegirdAndtightenthemforbattle。NoarmsOfbugles，nohighfgs，nocroushaste——
OnlyaliftandfreofeyesthatfacedThesun，likeafriendwithwhomtheirloveisdone。
Orgershohatsmileagainstthesun，——
Mightierthanhiswhosebountythesehavespurned。
So，soontheytoppedthehill，andracedtogetherOveranopenstretchofherbandheatherExposed。AndinstantlythewholeskyburnedWithfuryagainstthem；andsoftsuddencupsOpenedinthousandsfortheirblood；andthegreenslopesChasmedandsteepenedsheertoinfinitespace。
OfthemwhorunningonthatsthighpceLeapttoswiftunseenbullets，orwentupOnthehotbstandfuryofhell’supsurge，Orp露ngedandfelwaypastthisworld’sverge，SomesayGodcaughtthemevenbeforetheyfell。
Buhatsaysuchasfromexistence’brinkVenturedbutdravetooswifttosink。
Thefewwhorushedinthebodytoenterhell，Andthereout—fiendingallitsfiendsandfmesWithsuperhumaninhumanities，Long—fausglories，immerialshames——
Andcrawlingslowlyback，havebydegreesRegainedcoolpeacefuirinwonder——
Whyspeaktheynotofradesthaentunder？
TheChancesImindas’owthenightaforethatshowUsfivegottalking，——wewasintheknow，\Overthetopto—rrer；boys，we’reforit，Firsaveweare，firstruddywave；that’storeit。\
\Ahwell，\saysJimmy，——an’’e’sseensomescrappin’——
\Thereain’trenorfivethingsascan’appen；
Yegetknockedout；elsewounded——badorcushy；
Scuppered；ornowtexceptyerfeelingmushy。\
Oneofusgottheknock—out，blowntochops。
T’otherwashurt，like，losin’both’isprops。
An’one，tousethewordof’ypocrites，’AdthemisfortoontobetookbyFrit。
Nowme，Iwasn’tscratched，praiseGodAlmighty（ThoughnexttimepleaseI’llthank’imforablighty），ButpooryoungJim，’e’slivin’an’’e’snot；
’Ereckoned’e’dfivechances，an’’e’s’ad；
’E’swounded，killed，andpris’ner，allthelot——
Theruddylotallrolledinone。Jim’smad。
S。I。W。
\IwilltotheKing，Andofferhimconsotioninhistrouble，Forthatmantherehassethisteethtodie，Andbeingohathatesobedience，Discipline，andorderlinessoflife，Icannoturnhim。\
W。B。Yeats。
Patgoodbye，doubtlesstheytoldthedHe’dalwaysshowtheHunabraveman’sface；
Fatherwouldsoonerhimdeadthanindisgrace，——
Wasproudtoseehimgoing，aye，andgd。
PerhapshisMotherwhimperedhowshe’dfretUntilhegotanice，safewoundtonurse。
Sisterswouldwishgirlstoocouldshoot，charge，curse，……
Brothers——wouldsendhisfavouritecigarette，Eachweek，nthafternth，theywrotethesame，ThinkinghimshelteredinsomeY。M。Hut，WhereonceanhourabulletmisseditsaimAndmissesteasedthehungerofhisbrain。
Hiseyesgrewoldwithwincing，andhishandRecklesswithague。Courageleaked，assandFromthebestsandbagsafteryearsofrain。
Butneverleave，wound，fever，trench—foot，shock，Untrappedthewretch。AnddeathseemedstillwithheldFortortureoflyingmachinallyshelled，Atthepleasureofthisworld’sPowerswho’drunak。
He’dseenmenshoottheirhands，onnightpatrol，Theirpeopleneverknew。Yettheywerevile。
\Deathsoonerthandishonour，that’sthestyle！\
SoFathersaid。
Onedawn，ourwirepatrolCarriedhim。Thistime，Deathhadnotmissed。
Wecoulddonothing，buipehisbleedingcough。
Coulditbeaident？——Riflesgooff……
Notsniped？No。（LatertheyfoundtheEnglishball。）
Iasthereasonedcrisisofhissoul。
AgainstthefiresthaouldnotburnhimwholeButkepthimfordeath’sperjuryandscoffAndlife’shalf—promising，andboththeirriling。
Withhimtheyburiedthemulehisteethhadkissed，AndtruthfullywrotetheMother\Timdiedsmiling。\
FutilityMovehimintothesun——
Gentlyitstouchawokehince，Athome，whisperingoffieldsunsown。
Alwaysiokehim，eveninFrance，Untilthisrningandthissnow。
IfanythingmightrousehimnowThekindoldsunwillknow。
Thinkhowiakestheseeds——
Woke，once，thecysofacoldstar。
Arelimbssodear—achieved，aresidesFull—nerved，——stillwarm，——toohardtostir？
Wasitforthisthecygrewtall？
——OwhatmadefatuoussunbeamstoilTobreakearth’ssleepatall？
Smile，Smile，SmileHeadtolimphead，thesunk—eyedwoundedscannedYesterday’sMail；thecasualties（dsmall）
And（rge）VastBootyfrourLatestHaul。
Also，theyreadofCheapHomes，notyetpnned；
For，saidthepaper，\WhenthiswarisdoneThemen’sfirstinstincillbemakinghomes。
Meanwhiletheirforestneedisaerodromes，Itbeingcertainwarhasjustbegun。
Peacewoulddowrongtoourundyingdead，——
ThesonsweofferedmightregrettheydiedIfwegotnothingsintheirstead。
Wemustbesolidlyindemnified。
ThoughallbeworthyVictorywhichallbought，WerulerssitinthisancientspotWouldwrongourveryselvesifwefotThegreatestglorywillbetheirswhofought，Whokeptthisnationinintegrity。\
Nation？——Thehalf—limbedreadersdidnotchafeButsmiledatoneanothercuriouslyLikesecretmenwhoknowtheirsecretsafe。
Thisisthethingtheyknowandneverspeak，ThatEngndonebyonehadfledtoFrance（NotmanyelsewherenowsaveunderFrance）。
Picturesofthesebroadsmilesappeareachweek，AndpeopleinwhosevoicerealfeelingringsSay：Howtheysmile！They’rehappynow，poorthings。
~23rdSeptember~1918。
ConsciousHisfingerswake，andf露tterupthebed。
Hiseyeseopenwithapullofwill，Helpedbytheyellowmay—flowersbyhishead。
Ablind—corddrawlsacrossthewindow—sill……
Howsoththefloorofthewardis！whatarug！
Andwho’sthattalking，somewhereoutofsight？
Whyarethe玉ghing？What’sinsidethatjug？
\Nurse！Doctor！\\Yes；allright，allright。\
Butsuddenduskbewildersalltheair——
Thereseemsnotimetowantadrinkofwater。
Nurselookssofaraway。AndeverywhereMusicandrosesburntthroughcrimsonsughter。
Cold；cold；he’scold；andyetsohot：
Andthere’snolighttoseethevoicesby——
Notimetodream，andask——heknowsnohat。
ATerre（~BeingthephilosophyofmanySoldiers。~）
Sitonthebed；I’mblind，andthreepartsshell，Becareful；can’tshakehandsnow；nevershall。
Botharmshavemutiniedagainstme——brutes。
Myfingersfidgetliketenidlebrats。
Itriedtopegoutsoldierly——nouse！
Onediesofwarlikeanyolddisease。
Thisbandagefeelslikepenniesonmyeyes。
Ihavemymedals？——Discstomakeeyesclose。
Mygloriousribbons？——RippedfrommyownbackInscarletshreds。（That’sforyourpoetrybook。）
Ashortlifeandamerryone，mybrick！
Weusedtosaywe’dhatetolivedeadold，——
Yetnow……I’dwillinglybepuffy，bald，Andpatriotic。BufferscatchfromboysAtleastthejokeshurledatthem。IsupposeLittleI’deverteachason，buthit，Shoo，war，hun，alltheartsofhur。
Well，that’swhatIlearnt，——that，andmakingney。
Yourfiftyyearsaheadseemnooomany？
TellmehowlongI’vegot？God！ForoneyearTohelpmyselftonothingrethanair！
OneSpring！Isooogoodtospare，toolong？
Springwindwouldworkitsownwaytomy露ng，Andgrowmelegsasquickaslic—shoots。
Myservant’smed，butlistenhowheshouts！
WhenI’m露ggedout，he’llstillbegoodforthat。
Hereinthismummy—case，youknow，I’vethoughtHowwellImighthaveswepthisfloorsforever，I’dasknonightoffwhenthebustle’sover，Enjoyingsothedirt。Who’sprejudicedAgainstagrimedhandwhenhisown’squitedust，Lesslivethanspecksthatinthesun—shaftsturn，Lesswarmthandustthatmixeswitharms’tan？
I’dlovetobeasweep，now，bckasTown，Yes，oramuckman。MustIbehisload？
OLife，Life，letmebreathe，——adug—outrat！
Noorsethanourstheexistencesratslead——
Nosingalongatnightdownsomesafevat，Theyfindashell—proofhomebeforetheyrot。
Deadmenmayenvylivingmitesincheese，Orgoodgermseven。Microbeshavetheirjoys，Andsubdivide，andneveretodeath，Certainlyflowershavetheeasiesttimeonearth。
\Ishallbeonewithnature，herb，andstone。\
Shelleywouldtellme。Shelleywouldbestunned；
ThedullestTommyhugsthatfancynow。
\Pushingupdaisies，\istheircreed，youknow。
Tograin，then，gomyfat，tobudsmysap，Foralltheusefulnessthereisinsoap。
D’youthinktheBochewilleverstewman—soup？
Someday，nodoubt，if……
Friend，beverysureIshallbebetteroffwithpntsthatshareMorepeaceablythemeadowandtheshower。
Softrainswilltouchme，——astheycouldtouchonce，Andnothingbutthesunshallmakemeware。
Yourgunsmaycrasharoundme。I’llnothear；
Or，ifIwince，IshallnotknowIwince。
Don’ttakemysoul’spoorfortforyourjest。
Soldiersmaygrowasoulwhenturnedtofronds，Butherethething’sbestleftathomewithfriends。
Mysoul’salittlegrief，grapplingyourchest，Toclimbyourthroatonsobs；easilychasedOnothersighsandwipedbyfresherwinds。
Carrymycryingspirittillit’sweanedTodowithouhatbloodremainedthesewounds。
WildwithallRegrets（Anotherversionof\ATerre\。）
ToSiegfriedSassoonMyarmshavemutiniedagainstme——brutes！
Myfingersfidgetliketenidlebrats，Myback’sbeenstiffforhours，damnedhours。
DeathnevergiveshissquadaStand—at—ease。
Ican’tread。There：it’snouse。Takeyourbook。
Ashortlifeandamerryone，mybuck！
Wesaidwe’dhatetogrowdeadold。Butnow，Nottoliveoldseemsawful：nottorenewMyboyhoodwithmyboys，andteach’emhit，Shooandhun，——alltheartsofhur！
——Well，that’swhatIlearnt。That，andmakingney。
Yourfiftyyearsinstoreseemnooomany；
ButI’vefiveminutes。God！ForjustoyearsTohelpmyselftothisgoodairofyours！
OneSpring！Isooohardtospare？Toolong？
Springairwouldfinditsownwaytomy露ng，Andgrowmelegsasquickaslic—shoots。
Yes，there’stheorderly。He’llchangethesheetsWhenI’m露ggedout，oh，couldn’tIdothat？
Hereinthiscoffinofabed，I’vethoughtI’dliketokneendsweephisfloorsforever，——
Andasknonightsoffwhenthebustle’sover，ForI’denjoythedirt；who’sprejudicedAgainstagrimedhandwhenhisown’squitedust，——
Lesslivethanspecksthatinthesun—shaftsturn？
Deardust，——inrooms，onroads，onfaces’tan！
I’dlovetobeasweep’sboy，bckasTown；
Yes，oramuckman。MustIbehisload？
Afleawoulddo。Ifonechapwasn’tbloody，Orwentstone—cold，I’dfindanotherbody。
WhichIshan’tmanagenow。Unlessit’syours。
Ishallstayinyou，friend，forsomefewhours。
You’llfeelmyheavyspiritchillyourchest，Andclimbyourthroatonsobs，untilit’schasedOnsighs，andwipedfroffyourlipsbywind。
Ithinkonyourrichbreathing，brother，I’llbeweanedTodowithouhatbloodremainedmefrommywound。
~5thDecember~1917。
DisabledHesatinawheeledchair，waifordark，Andshiveredinhisghastlysuitofgrey，Legless，sewnshortatelbow。ThroughtheparkVoicesofboysrangsaddeninglikeahymn，Voicesofpyandpleasureafterday，Tillgatheringsleephadtheredthemfromhim。
AboutthistimeTownusedtoswingsogayWhenglow—lsbuddedinthelight—b露etreesAndgirlsgncedlovelierastheairgrewdim，——Intheoldtimes，beforehethrewawayhisknees。
NowhewillneverfeegainhowslimGirls’waistsare，orhowwarmtheirsubtlehands，Allofthemtouchhimlikesomequeerdisease。
Therewasanartistsillyforhisface，Foriasyoungerthanhisyouth，styear。
Nowheisold；hisbackwillneverbrace；
He’slosthiscolourveryfarfromhere，Poureditdownshell—holestilltheveinsrandry，Andhalfhislifetimepsedinthehotrace，Andleapofpurplespurtedfromhisthigh。
Oimehelikedabloodsmeardownhisleg，Afterthematchescarriedshoulder—high。
Iasafterfootball，whenhe’ddrunkapeg，Hethoughthe’dbetterjoin。Hewonderswhy……
Someonehadsaidhe’dlookagodinkilts。
That’swhy；andmaybe，too，topleasehisMeg，Aye，thaasit，topleasethegiddy激lts，Heaskedtojoin。Hedidn’thavetobeg；
Smilingtheywrotehislie；agednieenyears。
Germanshescarcelythoughtof；andnofearsOfFearcameyet。HethoughtofjewelledhiltsFordaggersinpidsocks；ofsmartsa露tes；
Andcareofarms；andleave；andpayarrears；
Espritdecorps；andhintsforyoungrecruits。
Andsoon，hewasdraftedouithdrumsandcheers。
Somecheeredhimhome，butnotascrowdscheerGoal。
OnlyasolemnmanwhobroughthimfruitsThankedhim；andtheninquiredabouthissoul。
Now，hewillspendafewsickyearsinInstitutes，Anddowhatthingstherulesconsiderwise，Andtakewhateverpitytheymaydole。
To—nighthenoticedhowthewomen’seyesPassedfromhimtothestrongmenthaerewhole。
Howcoldandteitis！Whydon’ttheyeAndputhimintobed？Whydon’ttheye？
TheEndAfterthebstoflightningfromtheeast，Theflourishofloudclouds，theChariotthrone，AfterthedrumsoftimehaverolledandceasedAndfromthebronewestlongretreatisblown，ShallLiferenewthesebodies？OfatruthAlldeathwillheannul，alltearsassuage？
OrfillthesevoidveinsfulgainwithyouthAndwashwithanimrtalwaterage？
WhenIdoaskwhiteAge，hesaithnotso，——
\Myheadhangsweighedwithsnow。\
AndwhenIhearkentotheEarthshesaithMyfieryheartsinksaching。Itisdeath。
MineancientscarsshallnotbeglorifiedNormytitanictearstheseasbedried。\