Poem: Dulce et Decorum est by Wilfred Owen

[janne_d]

WWI poetry is something that everyone I knew seemed to study at school. We didn't do a huge amount, but this poem was one that we did study in detail and it made quite an impression. I know the third verse off by heart because the imagery is so strong I just couldn't forget it.

Comments

[linaerys]

I've read it many times but it always stings. Thank you for re-posting.

[janne_d]

It gives me shivers. It is just so brilliantly horrific. And there probably aren't any good ways to die in a war, but the gas attacks were a real nightmare.

Poem

[anonymous]

If you liked this on there is another amazing one by a poet named Patrick Shaw Stewart. I believe it is not formally titled but here it is.

I met a man this morning
Who did not wish to die
I ask and cannot answer
if otherwise wish I

Fair broke the dawn this morning
Against the Dardanelles;
The breeze blew soft, the morn's cheeks
Were cold as cold sea-shells.

But other shells are waiting
Across the Aegean Sea
Shrapnel and high explosive
Shells and hell for me

O hell of ships and cities
Hell of men like me,
Fatal second Helen
Why must I follow thee?

Achilles came to Troyland
And I to Chersonese
He turned from wrath to battle
And I from three days' peace

Was it so hard Achilles,
So very hard to die?
Thou knewest and I know not-
So much the happier am I.

I will go back this morning
From Imbros over the sea
Stand in the trench Achilles,
Flame-capped and shout for me.

One of my all time favorite poems. WWI produced some of the most heart wrenching poetry ever.

Re: Poem

[janne_d]

I liked that, particularly the last two lines. Very powerful. Thanks for posting it here.