Category Archives: sassoon

Prelude: The Troops Dim, gradual thinning of the shapeless gloomShudders to drizzling daybreak that revealsDisconsolate men who stamp their sodden bootsAnd turn dulled, sunken faces to the skyHaggard and hopeless. They, who have beaten downThe stale despair of night, must … Continue reading →

In Barracks The barrack-square, washed clean with rain, Shines wet and wintry-grey and cold. Young Fusiliers, strong-legged and bold, March and wheel and march again. The sun looks over the barrack gate, Warm and white with glaring shine, To watch … Continue reading →

How to Die Dark clouds are smouldering into red While down the craters morning burns. The dying soldier shifts his head To watch the glory that returns; He lifts his fingers toward the skies Where holy brightness breaks in flame; … Continue reading →

Invocation Come down from heaven to meet me when my breathChokes, and through drumming shafts of stifling deathI stumble toward escape, to find the doorOpening on morn where I may breathe once moreClear cock-crow airs across some valley dimWith whispering … Continue reading →

Explanatory note: So, why all the World War One poetry, you ask? Because I love it, and my love for this poetry is one of the reasons I became so interested in researching that particular historical period, and I want … Continue reading →

AttackAt dawn the ridge emerges massed and dunIn the wild purple of the glow’ring sun,Smouldering through spouts of drifting smoke that shroudThe menacing scarred slope; and, one by one,Tanks creep and topple forward to the wire.The barrage roars and lifts. … Continue reading →

Sick Leave When I’m asleep, dreaming and lulled and warm,–They come, the homeless ones, the noiseless dead.While the dim charging breakers of the stormBellow and drone and rumble overhead,Out of the gloom they gather about my bed.They whisper to my … Continue reading →