Category Archives: wwi poetry

"Cramped in that Funnelled Hole," Wilfred Owen

Posted on May 30, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Cramped in that Funnelled Hole Cramped in that funnelled hole, they watched the dawnOpen a jagged rim around; a yawnOf death’s jaws, which had all but swallowed themStuck in the bottom of his throat of phlegm. They were in one … Continue reading →

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Carl Sandburg, "Among the Red Guns"

Posted on May 9, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Among the Red Guns After waking at dawn one morning when the wind sang low among dry leaves in an elm Among the red guns, In the hearts of soldiers Running free blood In the long, long campaign: Dreams go … Continue reading →

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Edgell Rickword, "War and Peace"

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

War and Peace In sodden trenches I have heard men speak, Though numb and wretched, wise and witty things; And loved them for the stubbornness that clings Longest to laughter when Death’s pulleys creak; And seeing cool nurses move on … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Editorial Impressions"

Posted on May 2, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Editorial Impressions He seemed so certain ‘all was going well’, As he discussed the glorious time he’d had While visiting the trenches. ‘One can tell You’ve gathered big impressions!’ grinned the lad Who’d been severely wounded in the back In … Continue reading →

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Geoffrey Dearmer, “The Turkish Trench Dog”

Posted on April 25, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Turkish Trench Dog Night held me as I crawled and scrambled near The Turkish lines. Above, the mocking stars Silvered the curving parapet, and clear Cloud-latticed beams o’erflecked the land with bars; I, crouching, lay between Tense-listening armies peering … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Reconciliation"

Posted on April 24, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Reconciliation When you are standing at your hero’s grave,Or near some homeless village where he died,Remember, through your heart’s rekindling pride,The German soldiers who were loyal and brave. Men fought like brutes; and hideous things were done; And you have … Continue reading →

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Geoffrey Faber, "Home Service"

Posted on April 18, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Home Service “At least it wasn’t your fault” I hear them console When they come back, the few that will come back. I feel those handshakes now. “Well, on the whole You didn’t miss much. I wish I had your … Continue reading →

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Wilfred Wilson Gibson, "Back"

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Back They ask me where I’ve been,And what I’ve done and seen.But what can I replyWho know it wasn’t I,But someone just like me,Who went across the seaAnd with my head and handsKilled men in foreign lands…Though I must bear … Continue reading →

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Edward Shillito, "Hardness of Heart"

Posted on April 11, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Hardness of Heart In the first watch no death but made us mourn; Now tearless eyes run down the daily roll, Whose names are written in the book of death; For sealed are now the springs of tears, as when … Continue reading →

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Laurence Binyon, "Ypres"

Posted on April 10, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Ypres She was a city of patience; of proud name, Dimmed by neglecting Time; of beauty and loss; Of acquiescence in the creeping moss. But on a sudden fierce destruction came Tigerishly pouncing: thunderbolt and flame Showered on her streets, … Continue reading →

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