An Anniversary Anthem

“. . . young men die because old men lie.”—By Sanford Rose

Dolors & Sense

By Sanford Rose

KISSIMMEE Florida—(Weekly Hubris)—6/30/2014—William Norman Ewer wrote little poetry. The British journalist (1885-1976) was chiefly known for his doggerel, the most famous example of which is “How odd of God to choose the Jews.” (A Jewish wag retorted: “Not odd of God. Goyim annoy ‘im.”)

But during the Great War of 1914-1918, Ewer was moved to compose these lines, the most poignant I’ve ever read about any war. In all conflicts, young men die because old men lie. And that’s no doggerel.

Five Souls

   First Soul

I was a peasant of the Polish plain;

I left my plough because the message ran:—

Russia, in danger, needed every man

To save her from the Teuton; and was slain.

I gave my life for freedom—This I know 

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

   Second Soul

I was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer;

I gladly left my mountain home to fight

Against the brutal treacherous Muscovite;

And died in Poland on a Cossack spear.

I gave my life for freedom—This I know 

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

   Third Soul

I worked in Lyons at my weaver’s loom,

When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled

His felon blow at France and at the world;

Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom.

I gave my life for freedom—This I know 

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

   Fourth Soul

I owned a vineyard by the wooded Main,

Until the Fatherland, begirt by foes

Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose

Swift to the call—and died in far Lorraine.

I gave my life for freedom—This I know 

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

   Fifth Soul

I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde;

There came a sudden word of wars declared,

Of Belgium, peaceful, helpless, unprepared,

Asking our aid: I joined the ranks, and died.

I gave my life for freedom—This I know 

For those who bade me fight had told me so.