Because your father tumbled in the yellow trenches, Raged at his breast, gulped and died, Do not weep. War is kind. Swift blazing flag of the regiment, Eagle with crest of red and gold, These men were born to drill and die. Point for them the virtue of slaughter, Make plain to them the excellence of killing And a field where a thousand corpses lie. Mother whose heart hung humble as a button On the bright splendid shroud of your son, Do not weep.
War is kind.
Long has our brother been silent to us, Kept his message for the ships, Puny ships, silly ships. The sea bids you teach, O Pines. Long has our brother been silent to us, Kept his message for the ships, Puny ships, silly ships. Long will your brother be silent to you, Keep his message for the ships, O puny pines, silly pines. The sea was blue meadow, Alive with little froth-people Singing.