Vast lists of names at cenotaphs
on crosses, in columns of newspapers,
inscribed by those who lived, for those
I never knew so can't remember.
Reduced to uniform remains,
some named 'Soldier of the Great War'.
A greatness in numbers lost,
lives wrecked - measures of excess.
November flags dip, bands march,
standing to mark with silence
violence done to those unknown to them.
Some lament more recent deaths.
The piety of war.
Apr 7, 2016
Apr 7, 2016 at 2:06 PM UTC
Vast lists of names at cenotaphs
on crosses, in columns of newspapers,
inscribed by those who lived, for those
I never knew so can't remember.
Reduced to uniform remains,
some named 'Soldier of the Great War'.
A greatness in numbers lost,
lives wrecked - measures of excess.
November flags dip, bands march,
standing to mark with silence
violence done to those unknown to them.
Some lament more recent deaths.
The piety of war.