War

From the Newark Evening Star, May 22, 1915.

War is hell, no matter what
The fire within that makes it hot!
Masters, by their devious ways
Light the red, destructive blaze!
Talk of God and righteousness;
What are they in this distress?
Talk about a soldier’s fame;
Talk about the glory game;
Tell us it is good to die
That a flag may float on high;
Tell us lofty sentiments
Grow from blood and pestilence;
Tell us corpses, strewn around
Change the soil to hallowed ground;
Tell us burning houses light
Straying patriots toward the right;
Tell us there is cause for cheers
In the women’s bitter tears;
Tell us starving children wail
Only when their armies fail;
Tell us how great victories bless
The widows and the fatherless;
Tell us that the men who died
Are the country’s joy and pride;
Tell us—
What you please to tell
The simple truth is
War is hell!