The Young Soldier

Portrait of Wilfred Owen
Wilfred Owen 1893–1918

It is not death Without hereafter To one in dearth Of life and its laughter,

Nor the sweet murder Dealt slow and even Unto the martyr Smiling at heaven:

It is the smile Faint as a (waning) myth, Faint, and exceeding small On a boy's murdered mouth.

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