Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967). The Old Huntsman and Other Poems. 1918.

20. ‘They’

THE BISHOP tells us: ‘When the boys come back

‘They will not be the same; for they’ll have fought

‘In a just cause: they lead the last attack

‘On Anti-Christ; their comrades’ blood has bought

‘New right to breed an honourable race,

‘They have challenged Death and dared him face to face.’

‘We’re none of us the same!’ the boys reply.

‘For George lost both his legs; and Bill’s stone blind;

‘Poor Jim’s shot through the lungs and like to die;

‘And Bert’s gone syphilitic: you’ll not find

‘A chap who’s served that hasn’t found some change.’

And the Bishop said: ‘The ways of God are strange!’