You've heard me, scornful, harsh, and discontented, <br />Mocking and loathing War: you've asked me why <br />Of my old, silly sweetness I've repented-- <br />My ecstasies changed to an ugly cry. <br /> <br />You are aware that once I sought the Grail, <br />Riding in armour bright, serene and strong; <br />And it was told that through my infant wail <br />There rose immortal semblances of song. <br /> <br />But now I've said good-bye to Galahad, <br />And am no more the knight of dreams and show: <br />For lust and senseless hatred make me glad, <br />And my killed friends are with me where I go. <br />Wound for red wound I burn to smite their wrongs; <br />And there is absolution in my songs.<br /><br />Siegfried Sassoon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-poet-as-hero/
