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.
2 Comments
Elizabeth Boleman-Herring
For more images of The Great War: http://lens.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/06/30/photos-world-war-i-images-museums-battle-great-war/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
Veronica Rose/Knott
Oh my gosh! Yes, young men do die & it’s because of lies! I get this, travel to the top of the mountain – screaming – in so many ways!
Well said!