Category Archives: wwi poetry

Siegfried Sassoon, "At Carnoy"

At Carnoy Down in the hollow there’s the whole Brigade Camped in four groups: through twilight falling slow I hear a sound of mouth-organs, ill-played, And murmur of voices, gruff, confused, and low. Crouched among thistle-tufts I’ve watched the glowOf … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Arms and the Man"

Arms and the Man Young Croesus went to pay his call On Colonel Sawbones, Caxton Hall: And, though his wound was healed and mended, He hoped he’d get his leave extended. The waiting-room was dark and bare.He eyed a neat-framed … Continue reading

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Charles Sorley, "All the Hills and Vales Along"

All the Hills and Vales Along All the hills and vales along Earth is bursting into song, And the singers are the chaps Who are going to die perhaps. O sing, marching men, Till the valleys ring again. Give your … Continue reading

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Ivor Gurney, "Strange Hells"

Strange Hells There are strange Hells within the minds War made Not so often, not so humiliating afraid As one would have expected – the racket and fear guns made. One Hell the Gloucester soldiers they quite put out; Their … Continue reading

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Charlotte Mew, "The Cenotaph"

The Cenotaph September 1919 Not yet will those measureless fields be green againWhere only yesterday the wild sweet blood of wonderful youth was shed;There is a grave whose earth must hold too long, too deep a stain,Though for ever over … Continue reading

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Robert Frost, "War Thoughts At Home"

War Thoughts at Home On the back side of the houseWhere it wears no paint to the weatherAnd so shows most its age,Suddenly blue jays rageAnd flash in blue feather. It is late in an afternoonMore grey with snow to … Continue reading

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Robert Frost, "Not To Keep"

Not to Keep They sent him back to her. The letter cameSaying… And she could have him. And beforeShe could be sure there was no hidden illUnder the formal writing, he was in her sight,Living. They gave him back to … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, "In the Pink"

In the Pink So Davies wrote: ‘This leaves me in the pink. Then scrawled his name: ‘Your loving sweetheart, Willie’. With crosses for a hug. He’d had a drink Of rum and tea; and, though the barn was chilly, For … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, "Secret Music"

Secret Music I keep such music in my brain No din this side of death can quell; Glory exulting over pain, And beauty, garlanded in hell. My dreaming spirit will not heed The roar of guns that would destroy My … Continue reading

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Siegfried Sassoon, "To Any Dead Officer"

To Any Dead Officer Well, how are things in Heaven? I wish you’d say, Because I’d like to know that you’re all right. Tell me, have you found everlasting day, Or been sucked in by everlasting night? For when I … Continue reading

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