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.
Excerpted from War Poems , selected and edited by John Hollander. Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this poem may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.