Anzac Day 2008

Conscript  

“Of course, its done him worlds of good”, they said,
“He’s twice the man he was - a puny chap
he used to be, if you remember - always at books and that,
but since he joined
he’s broadened out. They’ve made a man of him;
You wouldn’t know now”.

 Deep-sunk in rain-soaked ditch, with weeds and filth
stopping his mouth, the soldier lies;
swollen and black, his face turns to the skies
in blank, unquestioning stare, his body, tight
and big as flood-drowned pig, lurches and sways,
to wind and water. Yes, he’s broadened out -
he’s twice the man he was; a pity, though,
his life should run, like bright oil down a gutter,
to implement some politician’s brag.

His world went out
through that neat hole in temple, quickly and easily
as words from windy mouths. And loves unknown,
and skies unseen, and books unread,
forever lost, he’s dead.

You wouldn’t know him now.

FA Horn 1940