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lokifan_importThis poem was introduced to me by my very favourite English teacher. If I get to be an author, I’m sure I’ll dedicate a book to her somewhere down the line.
The General by Siegfried Sassoon
“Good-morning; good-morning!” the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of ‘em dead,
And we’re cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
“He’s a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.
But he did for them both by his plan of attack.
Generally Siegfried Sassoon doesn’t especially do it for me (although I admire the man, and loved the character in the Regeneration trilogy). But this one hits you like a punch to the heart. It’s that cheery opening, like an old-fashioned policeman, and that killing pause before the final line.
You may have noticed at this point that I wish to keep switching mood between poems.
The General by Siegfried Sassoon
“Good-morning; good-morning!” the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of ‘em dead,
And we’re cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
“He’s a cheery old card,” grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.
But he did for them both by his plan of attack.
Generally Siegfried Sassoon doesn’t especially do it for me (although I admire the man, and loved the character in the Regeneration trilogy). But this one hits you like a punch to the heart. It’s that cheery opening, like an old-fashioned policeman, and that killing pause before the final line.
You may have noticed at this point that I wish to keep switching mood between poems.
