His wet white face and miserable eyesBrought nurses to him more than groans and sighs:But hoarse and low and rapid rose and fellHis troubled voice: he did the business well.(First verse of Died of Wounds)
Siegfried SassoonOh yes, I know the way to heaven was easy. We found the little kingdom of our passion that all can share who walk the road of lovers. In wild and secret happiness we stumbled; and gods and demons clamoured in our senses.
Siegfried SassoonAnd the wind upon its way whispered the boughs of May, And touched the nodding peony flowers to bid them waken.
Siegfried SassoonSoldiers are citizens of death's grey land, drawing no dividend from time's tomorrows.
Siegfried SassoonEVERYONE suddenly burst out singing; And I was filled with such delight As prisoned birds must find in freedom, Winging wildly across the white Orchards and dark-green fields; onโonโand out of sight. Everyoneโs voice was suddenly lifted; And beauty came like the setting sun: My heart was shaken with tears; and horror Drifted away ... O, but Everyone Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done.
Siegfried Sassoon