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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EPITAPH FOR A SOLDIER by DAVID IGNATOW

Poet Analysis

First Line: ENDERLE, WHO DIED FOR HIS COUNTRY
Last Line: STINK IN WINTER.
Subject(s): LABOR & LABORERS; WORK; WORKERS;

Enderle, who died for his country,
lived on beans and corn and surplus vegetables
issued by Relief in the days of peace.
Then he was told to take a job,
any job, for rent, carfare and food --
if cooked at home. His clothes
would have remained his working clothes,
underwear changed not more than once a week.
Hard work would have been the job,
sweat in summer,
stink in winter.



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