Grotesqueries
Military Cross given to Siegfried Sassoon for his “conspicuous gallantry during a raid on the enemy’s trenches.”
Imagining the worst might happen, Brooke
Writes out a letter to his mother who
Is gung ho for the war. His fears unhook
Themselves from him. The other men drink brew,
Dutch courage, but they do not look quite Dutch
Since they have blackened up their faces like
A minstrel band. Booze increases not much
Of raiding-party nerves. They take their hike
Across the battlefield. Twenty-eight went
Out. Two were killed, including one Sassoon
Recovered live in heavy fire. Descent
In craters brought a mourning afternoon.
The Military Cross that he received
Left Siegfried unimpressed, he too aggrieved.
~ Phillip Whidden