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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WAR, by WARREN ARIAIL First Line: We faced each other, he and I Last Line: I wear -- my souvenir of war. Subject(s): World War I; First World War | |||
We faced each other, he and I; Each knew that one of us must die: A German he, a robust man, And I a proud American. The noise of guns which seemed to sing The song of hate was deafening; And flames leaped madly here and there; And death was feasting everywhere. What right had I to kill? and he? Was he in truth my enemy? Had I harmed him, or he one time Wronged me? -- O is not war a crime? Two mortals standing face to face, Two brothers though of different race With one mad thought; to kill! to kill! And that not really of their will. He fired but missed me once, then twice; I fired; he reeled and rolled his eyes And fell; I heard a groan or two, Then silence: he was dead I knew. I stooped, my heart was moved, to gaze Into my enemy's pale face: A sort of mute apology Demanded by my sympathy. Ah, would you believe it, if I say The man I killed that horrid day Had been my friend, a true friend once Before the holiday of guns? Well, that is true: In Charleston then A homeless youth 'mid prosperous men, I sought for work; he took my hand And balanced me, and bade me stand. I wept, I wept.... What else could I? We met; each knew that one must die: It was our duty.... That's the star I wear -- my souvenir of war. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...D'ANNUNZIO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY 1915: THE TRENCHES by CONRAD AIKEN TO OUR PRESIDENT by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE HORSES by KATHARINE LEE BATES CHILDREN OF THE WAR by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE U-BOAT CREWS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE RED CROSS NURSE by KATHARINE LEE BATES WAR PROFITS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE UNCHANGEABLE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN A,B,C by CHARLES STUART CALVERLEY |
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