Category Archives: wwi poetry

“The Trenches,” Frederic Manning

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

The Trenches Endless lanes sunken in the clay, Bays, and traverses, fringed with wasted herbage, Seed-pods of blue scabious, and some lingering blooms; And the sky, seen as from a well, Brilliant with frosty stars. We stumble, cursing, on the … Continue reading →

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“Guns of Verdun,” Patrick R. Chalmers

Posted on October 2, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Guns of Verdun Guns of Verdun point to Metz From the plated parapets; Guns of Metz grin back again O’er the fields of fair Lorraine. Guns of Metz are long and grey, Growling through a summer day; Guns of Verdun, … Continue reading →

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“Pro Patria,” Owen Seaman

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Pro Patria England, in this great fight to which you go Because, where Honour calls you, go you must, Be glad, whatever comes, at least to know You have your quarrel just. Peace was your care; before the nations’ bar … Continue reading →

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“Thomas of the Light Heart,” Owen Seaman

Posted on September 18, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Thomas of the Light Heart Facing the guns, he jokes as well As any Judge upon the Bench; Between the crash of shell and shell His laughter rings along the trench; He seems immensely tickled by a Projectile which he … Continue reading →

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“To a Soldier in Hospital,” Winifred M. Letts

Posted on September 4, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

To a Soldier in Hospital Courage came to you with your boyhood’s grace Of ardent life and limb. Each day new dangers steeled you to the test, To ride, to climb, to swim. Your hot blood taught you carelessness of … Continue reading →

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“A Whispered Tale,” Siegfried Sassoon

Posted on August 28, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

A Whispered Tale I’d heard fool-heroes brag of where they’d been, With stories of the glories that they’d seen. But you, good simple soldier, seasoned well In woods and posts and crater-lines of hell, Who dodge remembered ‘crumps’ with wry … Continue reading →

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“Blighters,” Siegfried Sassoon

Posted on August 21, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

‘Blighters’ The House is crammed: tier beyond tier they grin And cackle at the Show, while prancing ranks Of harlots shrill the chorus, drunk with din; ‘We’re sure the Kaiser loves our dear old Tanks!’ I’d like to see a … Continue reading →

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“At Carnoy,” Siegfried Sassoon

Posted on August 14, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

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 glow … Continue reading →

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“The Four Brothers,” Sandburg

Posted on August 7, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

The Four Brothers Notes for War Songs (November, 1917) Make war songs out of these; Make chants that repeat and weave. Make rhythms up to the ragtime chatter of the machine guns; Make slow-booming psalms up to the boom of … Continue reading →

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“Oxford Revisited in War-Time,” Tertius van Dyke

Posted on July 31, 2011 by Victoria Janssen

Oxford Revisited in War-Time Beneath fair Magdalen’s storied towers I wander in a dream, And hear the mellow chimes float out O’er Cherwell’s ice-bound stream. Throstle and blackbird stiff with cold Hop on the frozen grass; Among the aged, upright … Continue reading →

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