War Poetry

Ernest H Crosby

War and Hell
There is 'great rejoicing at the nation's capital'. So says the morning's paper. The enemy's fleet has been annhilated. Mother's are delighted because other mothers have lost sons just like their own; Wives and daughters smile at the thought of new-nade widows and orphans; Strong men are full of glee because other strong men are either slain or doomed to rot alive in torments; Small boys are delirious with pride and joy as they fancy themselves thrusting swords into soft flesh, and burning and laying waste such homes as they themselves inhabit; Another capital is cast down with mourning and humiliation just in proportion as ours is raised up, and This is life - this is patriotism - this is rapture! But we - what are we, men or devils? and our Christian capital - what is it but an outpost of Hell?