'The eradication of memories of the Great War. -SOCIALIST GOVERNMENT ORGAN <br /> <br />The Socialist Government speaks: <br /> <br />THOUGH all the Dead were all forgot <br />And razed were every tomb, <br />The Worm-the Worm that dieth not <br />Compels Us to our doom. <br />Though all which once was England stands <br />Subservient to Our will, <br />The Dead of whom we washed Our hands, <br />They have observance still. <br /> <br />We laid no finger to Their load. <br />We multiplied Their woes. <br />We used Their dearly-opened road <br />To traffic with Their foes: <br />And yet to Them men turn their eyes, <br />To Them are vows renewed <br />Of Faith, Obedience, Sacrifice, <br />Honour and Fortitude! <br /> <br />Which things must perish. But Our hour <br />Comes not by staves or swords <br />So much as, subtly, through the power <br />Of small corroding words. <br />No need to make the plot more plain <br />By any open thrust; <br />But-see Their memory is slain <br />Long ere Their bones are dust! <br /> <br />Wisely, but yearly, filch some wreath- <br />Lay some proud rite aside- <br />And daily tarnish with Our breath <br />The ends for which They died. <br />Distract, deride, decry, confuse- <br />(Or-if it serves Us-pray!) <br />So presently We break the use <br />And meaning of Their day!<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/memories-338/
