World War I Poetry

More fascinating facts from the HistoryWiz archives

It is surprising that something as horrific as war should produce something beautiful, but world War I was the inspiration for some of the most moving poetry in western literature. Perhaps the most well known of the world War I poets was Wilfred Owen. His Anthem for Doomed Youth seemed to sum up the horror of war and the futility and hopelessness of this war in particular for an entire generation.

Wilfred Owen

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.

Anthem for Doomed Youth by Wilfred Owen

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

Dulce et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen

World War I

The Great War Exhibit