War and Love/Soliloquy—I

by Richard Aldington

For works with similar titles, see Soliloquy.

 

SOLILOQUY—I

No, I'm not afraid of death,(Not very much afraid, that is)Either for others or myself;Can watch them coming from the lineOn the wheeled silent stretchersAnd not shrink,But munch my sandwich stoicallyAnd make a joke, when "it" has passed.

But—the way they wobble!—God! that makes one sick.Dead men should be so still, austere,And beautiful,Not wobbling carrion roped upon a cart …

Well, thank God for rum.