Poetry

Here's some ww1 poetry i don't know if you've all got it but...

Five Souls:

First SoulI was a peasant of the Polish plain; I left my plough because the message ran: - Russia, in danger, needed every man To save her from the Teuton; and was slain. I gave my life for freedom - This I know For those who bade me fight had told me so. Second SoulI was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer; I gladly left my mountain home to fight Against the brutal treacherous Muscovite; And died in Poland on a Cossack spear. I gave my life for freedom - This I know For those who bade me fight had told me so. Third SoulI worked in Lyons at my weaver's loom, When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled His felon blow at France and at the world; Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom. I gave my life for freedom - This I know For those who bade me fight had told me so. Fourth SoulI owned a vineyard by the wooded Main, Until the Fatherland, begirt by foes Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose Swift to the call - and died in far Lorraine. I gave my life for freedom - This I know For those who bade me fight had told me so. Fifth Soul I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde; There came a sudden word of wars declared, Of Belgium, peaceful, helpless, unprepared, Asking our aid: I joined the ranks, and died. I gave my life for freedom - This I know For those who bade me fight had told me so.

I'm not sure who this is by.

Suicide In The Trenches:

I KNEW a simple soldier boy
Who grinned at life in empty joy,
Slept soundly through the lonesome dark,
And whistled early with the lark.

In winter trenches, cowed and glum,
With crumps and lice and lack of rum,
He put a bullet through his brain.
No one spoke of him again.
. . . .
You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye
Who cheer when soldier lads march by,
Sneak home and pray you’ll never know
The hell where youth and laughter go.

Sigfried Sassoon