TO AN UNKNOWN BRITISH SOLDIER
We shall not stay to see the peace won,
Nor watch the world grow clean again from war,
Find no forgetfulness of things we saw,
In careless freedom under England’s sun.
Let no the living mock the price we paid,
Or bring dishonour on our half-done task;
Hold not from us the only gift we ask-
Assurance that the dead be not betrayed
When others feel the joy of lover’s kiss
or gaze in gladness on the springtime flowers,
or hear the children laugh in playtime hours,
We shall not grudge the happiness we miss.
But let no hatred wake us from our peace,
Who gave our lives that enmity might cease.
Lieutenant M. J. Disney