Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN THE TRENCHES by ISAAC ROSENBERG

Poet Analysis

First Line: I SNATCHED TWO POPPIES
Last Line: STREWN. SMASHED YOU LIE.
Subject(s): WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;
I snatched two poppies
From the parapet's ledge,
Two bright red poppies
That winked on the ledge.

Behind my ear
I stuck one through,
One blood red poppy
I gave to you.

The sandbags narrowed
And screwed out our jest,
And tore the poppy
You had on your breast ...
Down — a shell — O! Christ,
I am choked ... safe ... dust blind, I
See trench floor poppies
Strewn. Smashed you lie.



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