War Poetry By Cat Warren

WW1 ~ Laurence Binyon ‘For the Fallen’ The subject of this poem is remorse for the loss of the men and comfort for the mourners that their deaths were not in vain. Giving this idea to the readers gave the illusion that these deaths were noble which was easier than the truth. This poem was written shortly after the start of the war. The poem seams to echo the reasons for the boys joining up, the childish reasons that were once considered romantic.

Nuclear War ~ Denise Levertov Talk in the Dark This poem seems to be a sad conversation as the dark places of our minds is often where we find our true thoughts, although the setting of this conversation is in a dark place itself. These people are talking about the prospect of an oncoming nuclear war. It states that the only way we can live now is “From day to day”. This adds to the sober tone of the poem. This poem was influenced by the events and fears of the Cold Wars.

Afghanistan ~ Andy McFarlane Sunset Vigil This poem was written in 2009 by a Sargent serving in Afghanistan It is a sober poem of a vigil to a fallen solider, a chance for the soldiers to say their goodbyes This poem again shows the loss of lives in war and the remorse it brings, but it also shows the union of soldiers in war “…and yet as one”.