Five War Epitaphs

I..         COMMON FORM

 

If any question why we died,

Tell them, because our fathers lied.

 

 

II.         THE BEGINNER

 

On the first hour of my first day

In the front trench I fell.

(Children in boxes at a play

Stand up to watch it well.)

 

 

III.       THE REFINED MAN

 

I was of delicate mind. I stepped aside for my needs,

Disdaining the common office. I was seen from afar

  and killed …

How is this matter for mirth? Let each man be judged

  by his deeds.

I have paid my price to live with myself on the terms that

  I willed.

 

 

IV.       ‘EQUALITY OF SACRIFICE’

 

A. ‘I was a Have.’  B. ‘I was a “Have-not.”’

(Together) ‘What hast thou given which I have not?’

 

 

V.        THE COWARD

 

I could not look on Death, which being known,

Men led me to him, blindfold and alone.