Siegfried Sassoon

Siegfried Sassoon (September 8, 1886 - September 1, 1967) British poet and soldier who wrote many poems regarding World War I .

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.

• Suicide in the Trenches

"Good morning, good morning," the general said,

When we met him last week on our way to the line.

Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of 'em dead,

And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine.

"He's a cheery old card," muttered Harry to Jack

As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.

• The General

Soldiers are citizens of death's grey land,

Drawing no dividend from time's tomorrows.

• Dreamers

Does it matter?- Losing your legs?

For people will always be kind,

And you needn't show that you mind

When the others come in after hunting,

And gobble their muffins and eggs.

Does it matter?- Losing your sight?

There's such splendid work for the blind,

And people will always be kind,

As you sit on the terrace remembering,

And turning your face to the light.

Do they matter?- Those dreams from the Pit?

You can drink, and forget, and be glad,

And no one will say that you're mad,

For they'll know that you fought for your country,

And no one will worry a bit.