Epitaphs of the War

1914-18 “equality of sacrifice” A. “I was a Have.”   B. “I was a ‘have-not.’” (Together).“What hast thou given which I gave not?” a servant We were together since the War began. He was my servant—and the better man. a son My son was killed while laughing at some jest.    I would I knew What it was, and it might serve me in a time when jests are few. an only son I have slain none except my Mother.    She (Blessing her slayer) died of grief for me. ex-clerk Pity not!    The Army gave Freedom to a timid slave: In which Freedom did he find Strength of body, will, and mind: By which strength he came to prove Mirth, Companionship, and Love: For which Love to Death he went: In which Death he lies content. the wonder Body and Spirit I surrendered whole To harsh Instructors—and received a soul . . . If mortal man could change me through and through From all I was—what may The God not do? hindu sepoy in france This man in his own country prayed we know not to what Powers. We pray Them to reward him for his bravery in ours. the coward I could not look on Death, which being known, Men led me to him, blindfold and alone. shock My name, my speech, my self I had forgot. My wife and children came—I knew them not. I died.    My Mother followed.    At her call And on her bosom I remembered all. a grave near cairo Gods of the Nile, should this stout fellow here Get out—get out!    He knows not shame nor fear. pelicans in the wilderness