The General

A short poem by Siegfried Sassoon.

I was going to do this for Armistice Day but never got around to it.


The General

"Good-morning; good-morning!" the General said
When we met him last week on our way to the line.
Now the soldiers he smiled at are most of 'em dead,
And we're cursing his staff for incompetent swine.
"He's a cheery old card," grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• The
• General
• Siegfried
• Sassoon
• poem
• poetry
• first
• world
• war
• one
• WW1
• WWI
• delbhoye

[Tbaggett2008]

You read it very well. Hearing the poetry helps me to understand it better. I'm finding the WWI and WWII poetry are my favorites because they are so raw and express so much emotion.

[delbhoye]

Thanks. Sassoon is probably my favourite war poet - he wasn't afraid to say what he thought.

[useryug]

Beautifully done, Del.

I consider myself privileged to have done First World War poetry for O level English.

Very formative stuff.

Thanks for posting,

Barry

[delbhoye]

Thanks Barry. I remember this one from school lit classes, too!

[jwwetzel]

This would have been perfect for Armistice Day! I really like when you read. It's soothing and you have a really nice style.

[delbhoye]

Thanks James. I like doing the poetry stuff - maybe I'll try something a bit more cheerful than war next time!

[MsCetz]

Its a good poem but i hate youre voice (no offence) its soo bludy british :/ eire abu!!

[delbhoye]

Thanks. Hope it was worth the wait!

[HappyHag]

Nicely read. For a short video, it took a long time to load, though.