Category Archives: wwi poetry

e.e. cummings, "the bigness of cannon "

Posted on April 4, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

the bigness of cannon is skilful, but i have seen death’s clever enormous voice which hides in a fragility of poppies…. i say that sometimes on these long talkative animals are laid fists of huger silence. I have seen all … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, "The Hawthorn Tree"

Posted on April 3, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Hawthorn Tree Not much to me is yonder lane Where I go every day; But when there’s been a shower of rainAnd hedge-birds whistle gay,I know my lad that’s out in FranceWith fearsome things to see Would give his … Continue reading →

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Ivor Gurney, "The Bohemians"

Posted on March 27, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Bohemians Certain people would not clean their buttons,Nor polish buckles after latest fashions,Preferred their hair long, putties comfortable,Barely escaping hanging, indeed hardly able;In Bridge and smoking without army cautionsSpending hours that sped like evil for quickness,(While others burnished brasses, … Continue reading →

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Ivor Gurney, "The Silent One"

Posted on March 21, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Silent One Who died on the wires, and hung there, one of two–Who for his hours of life had chattered throughInfinite lovely chatter of Bucksaccent:Yet faced unbroken wires; stepped over, and wentA noble fool, faithful to his stripes –and … Continue reading →

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Wilfrid Wilson Gibson, "The Messages"

Posted on March 7, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Messages “I cannot quite remember…. There were five Dropt dead beside me in the trench–and three Whispered their dying messages to me….” Back from the trenches, more dead than alive, Stone-deaf and dazed, and with a broken knee, He … Continue reading →

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Isaac Rosenberg, "Break of Day in the Trenches"

Posted on February 28, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Break of Day in the Trenches The darkness crumbles away.It is the same old druid Time as ever,Only a live thing leaps my hand,A queer sardonic rat,As I pull the parapet’s poppyTo stick behind my ear.Droll rat, they would shoot … Continue reading →

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Joy-Bells"

Posted on February 21, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Joy-Bells Ring your sweet bells; but let them be farewells To the green-vista’d gladness of the past That changed us into soldiers; swing your bells To a joyful chime; but let it be the last. What means this metal in … Continue reading →

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Rupert Brooke, "The Soldier"

Posted on February 14, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

The Soldier If I should die, think only this of me: That there’s some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, … Continue reading →

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Rupert Brooke, "Safety"

Posted on February 13, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Safety Dear! of all happy in the hour, most blest He who has found our hid security, Assured in the dark tides of the world that rest, And heard our word, ‘Who is so safe as we?’ We have found … Continue reading →

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Alan Seeger, "Rendezvous"

Posted on February 7, 2010 by Victoria Janssen

Rendezvous I have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,I have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,When Spring comes back with rustling shadeAnd apple-blossoms fill the air–I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair. … Continue reading →

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