Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ARMED FOR WAR by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: IS LIFE ON EARTH A VILER THING
Last Line: TO RUB A SLEEPY EYE?
Subject(s): LIFE CHANGE EVENTS;

Is life on Earth a viler thing
Than ever was known before?
Who shall we ask — the wise old man
Whose years have reached five score?
When we have questioned Church and State,
Is there anyone else to ask?
Is it the Baby, three weeks old,
That wears a gas-proof mask?

Is it the Infant armed to meet
A poisoned earth and sky —
A thing too weak to lift its hand
To rub a sleepy eye?



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