Epitaphs of the War by Rudyard Kipling
I’ve read this a long time ago and them sorrowful and greatly written:
a servant
We were together since the War began.
He was my servant—and the better man.
—
an only son
I have slain none except my Mother. She
(Blessing her slayer) died of grief for me.
—
the coward
I could not look on Death, which being known,
Men led me to him, blindfold and alone.
—
bombed in london
On land and sea I strove with anxious care
To escape conscription. It was in the air!
—
common form
If any question why we died,
Tell them, because our fathers lied.
—
a dead statesman
I could not dig: I dared not rob:
Therefore I lied to please the mob.
Now all my lies are proved untrue
And I must face the men I slew.
What tale shall serve me here among
Mine angry and defrauded young?