What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons.
No mockeries for them; no prayers nor bells,
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells;
And bugles calling for them from sad shires.

What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls’ brows shall be their pall;
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds.

~ Wilfred Owen (1893-1918)

• About
• Latest Posts

Rae Allen

Rae Allen is a digital media professional.

Latest posts by Rae Allen (see all)

• Street art – January 02, 2025 at 02:13PM – 02/01/2025
• Street art – January 02, 2025 at 11:52AM – 02/01/2025
• Street art – November 23, 2024 at 11.44AM – 27/11/2024