"A man must live!" We justify Low shift and trick, to treason high; A little vote for a little gold, Or a whole Senate bought and sold, With this self-evident reply— "A man must live!" But is it so? Pray tell me why Life at such cost you have to buy. In what religion were you told A man must live? There are times when a man must die! There are times when a man will die! Imagine for a battle-cry From soldiers with a sword to hold, From soldiers with a flag unfurled, This coward's whine, this liar's lie, "A man must live!" The Saviour did not "live!" He died! But in his death was life— Life for himself and all mankind! He found his life by losing it! And we, being crucified Afresh with him, may find Life in the cup of death, And, drinking it, Win life forever more. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOST LOVE by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES EPITAPHS OF THE WAR, 1914-18: A DRIFTER OFF TARENTUM by RUDYARD KIPLING THE STIRRUP-CUP by SIDNEY LANIER HUGH SELWYN MAUBERLEY: 13. ENVOI, 1919 by EZRA POUND |