The Young Soldier with a “Whimsical Stammer”
“Good-bye to all music for ever,” wrote
The poet, Siegfried. This was how his friend,
His fellow officer and friend, caused throat
In Siegfried, Heldentenor-like, to bend
Towards tears because of the piano played
By Greaves. The poet, who himself played well,
Was briefly taken from the war and swayed
By melody, eternity, their swell
Towards “never” and “forever,” saddest of
The words that anyone can sing or speak.
Sassoon knew everything that matters, love,
And love, and death and all that these can wreak.
The music did not stammer but war’s harms
Destroyed the playing of this soldier’s arms.
~ Phillip Whidden