Its the 100th anniversary of the Great War, the New York Times reminded us this morning. Because the War was so productive of great poetry, it seemed like a good day for a poem. But I didnt want to post the usual Owen or Sassoon. Here is Achilles in the Trench, by Patrick Shaw-Stewart, who was thought to be the most brilliant man of his day, and who was killed fighting in France in 1917. He wrote this poem on the Greek island of Imbros, while on R&R from the battle at Gallipoli. I saw a man this morning Who did not wish to die; I ask, and cannot answer, if otherwise wish I. Fair broke the day this morning Upon the Dardanelles: The breeze blew soft, the morns cheeks Were cold as cold sea-shells. But other shells are waiting Across the Aegean Sea; Shrapnel and high explosives, Shells and hells for me. Oh Hell of ships and cities, Hell of men like me, Fatal second Helen, Why must I follow thee? Achilles came to Troyland And I to Chersonese; He turned from wrath to battle, And I from three days peace. Was it so hard, Achilles, So very hard to die? Thou knowest, and I know not; So much the happier am I. I will go back this morning From Imbros oer the sea. Stand in the trench, Achilles, Flame-capped, and shout for me. nytimes/2014/06/27/world/europe/world-war-i-brought-fundamental-changes-to-the-world.html
Posted on: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 15:01:58 +0000
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