War is one of the most devastating and destructive events that humans have ever experienced. It is a situation that brings about pain, fear, loss, and destruction. The horrors of war have been captured in various forms of art, including literature, music, and visual arts. War poems are one of the most powerful forms of literature that depict the horror of war. In this article, we will explore 20 war poems that capture the true horrors of war.
1."Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen
"Dulce et Decorum Est" is one of the most famous anti-war poems written by Wilfred Owen, a British soldier and poet who served in World War I. The poem is a response to the romanticized view of war that was popular in Owen's time, which held that war was a noble and honorable endeavor. Owen, who had experienced the horrors of trench warfare firsthand, sought to dispel this myth and expose the true nature of war.
The poem describes a group of soldiers who are marching through mud and gas towards the front lines. One soldier, unable to put on his gas mask in time, is overcome by the gas and dies a painful and agonizing death. The poem is notable for its vivid and graphic descriptions of the physical and psychological tolls of war, including the sight of the dying soldier and the haunting sound of his last breath.
The title of the poem, "Dulce et Decorum Est," comes from a Latin phrase that means "It is sweet and honorable." The phrase was often used as a slogan to encourage young men to enlist in the military and fight for their country. Owen, however, uses the phrase ironically, showing that there is nothing sweet or honorable about war, and that those who encourage young men to fight are perpetuating a lie.
Through "Dulce et Decorum Est," Owen shows the true face of war and the toll it takes on soldiers. The poem is a powerful indictment of the glorification of war and a call to action against the forces that perpetuate it.
2."The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner" by Randall Jarrell
"The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner" by Randall Jarrell is a short and powerful poem that vividly captures the brutality and dehumanizing effects of war. The poem describes the fate of a young ball turret gunner, who is killed while flying a mission during World War II.
The poem is structured in five lines, with each line progressively shorter than the last, creating a sense of contraction and claustrophobia. The first line establishes the gunner's position in the cramped ball turret, while the second and third lines describe his exposure to enemy fire and the harsh conditions of the mission. The fourth line, "When I died they washed me out of the turret with a hose," is a stark and brutal image that emphasizes the disposable nature of the gunner's life. The final line, "And I hunched in its belly till my wet fur froze," suggests that even in death, the gunner remains trapped in his cramped and dehumanizing position.
Through "The Death of the Ball Turret Gunner," Jarrell shows the brutal and dehumanizing effects of war, particularly on the young men who are sent to fight. The gunner's death is described in clinical and matter-of-fact language, emphasizing the impersonal nature of war and the disposability of the individual soldier. The poem is a powerful critique of the machinery of war, which reduces human beings to mere cogs in a larger, more destructive system.
3."Disabled" by Wilfred Owen
"Disabled" by Wilfred Owen is a poignant and heartbreaking poem that tells the story of a young soldier who has been severely injured during World War I. The poem begins with a description of the soldier, who is now a "legless, sewn short at elbow" and sits alone in his wheelchair, watching "the dark unfold" around him. The soldier reflects on his former life, before the war, when he was a "gay" and "handsome" athlete who had everything going for him.
The poem then shifts to the soldier's present reality, where he is no longer able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as playing football or chasing girls. He is now a "queer disease" who is "shivering in his ghastly suit of grey." The soldier's bitterness and despair are palpable as he realizes that he has been permanently scarred by the war and that he will never be able to fully rejoin society.
Through "Disabled," Owen exposes the devastating physical and psychological tolls of war, particularly on young men who are sent to fight. The soldier's injuries and isolation serve as a powerful metaphor for the ways in which war can permanently damage individuals and communities. The poem also critiques the romanticized view of war that was popular at the time, showing the stark reality of the war's aftermath and the cost that it exacts from those who survive it.
4."The Man He Killed" by Thomas Hardy
"The Man He Killed" by Thomas Hardy is a poem that explores the senselessness and futility of war, and the arbitrary nature of the violence it engenders. The poem is written from the perspective of a soldier who has killed another soldier in battle, and who is reflecting on the absurdity of their conflict.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the other soldier as a man who could have been his friend, someone with whom he might have shared a drink or a conversation in different circumstances. The soldier laments that he has killed this man simply because they happened to be fighting on opposite sides in a war, and that they might have been "out of work" and "larking" together under different circumstances.
The speaker's tone throughout the poem is one of regret and sadness, as he struggles to make sense of the violence he has witnessed and participated in. He questions why they were fighting, and whether their conflict had any real purpose or justification. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that the only reason he killed the other man was because he was ordered to do so, a fact that makes the tragedy of their deaths all the more senseless and unnecessary.
Through "The Man He Killed," Hardy highlights the arbitrary nature of war and the toll it takes on individual soldiers, who are forced to kill and be killed for reasons that often have nothing to do with their personal beliefs or values. The poem is a powerful critique of war and a call to recognize the humanity and commonality of all people, regardless of their nationality or allegiance.
5."Strange Meeting" by Wilfred Owen
"Strange Meeting" by Wilfred Owen is a haunting and deeply moving poem that explores the futility and tragedy of war, as well as the human cost of conflict. The poem tells the story of a soldier who dies in battle and finds himself in a strange, dreamlike afterlife. There, he meets another soldier who he recognizes as an enemy he had killed in battle.
The two soldiers initially approach each other with hostility and suspicion, but soon begin to talk and realize that they have more in common than they first thought. The soldier who died first explains that the afterlife they are in is a place of rest, where they can escape the horrors of war and find peace. He also reveals that the conflict they were fighting in was senseless, and that the leaders who sent them to war were not worthy of their sacrifices.
As the poem progresses, the two soldiers begin to bond and empathize with each other, recognizing that they are both victims of a war that has torn them apart from their families and loved ones. They reflect on the lives they might have had if they had not been sent to war, and lament the fact that they will never be able to return to their former selves.
Through "Strange Meeting," Owen highlights the devastating human toll of war and critiques the leaders and institutions that perpetuate it. The poem is a powerful meditation on the nature of conflict and the need for compassion and empathy, even in the midst of violence and destruction. It urges us to remember the humanity of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or allegiance, and to work towards a world in which war and violence are no longer necessary.
6."The Parable of the Old Man and the Young" by Wilfred Owen
"The Parable of the Old Man and the Young" by Wilfred Owen is a poem that draws from the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac to critique the senselessness of war and the destructive power of human ambition. The poem reimagines the story of Abraham and Isaac, in which Abraham is commanded by God to sacrifice his son, as a commentary on the horrors of World War I.
In the poem, Abraham represents the leaders and institutions that send young men to war, while Isaac represents the soldiers who are sacrificed in service of those leaders' ambitions. The poem describes how Abraham takes Isaac to the top of a mountain and prepares to sacrifice him, as God commanded. However, as Abraham is about to kill his son, an angel appears and tells him to spare Isaac.
Owen's version of the story diverges from the biblical account at this point, as Abraham then proceeds to sacrifice a ram instead of his son. The poem ends with the devastating lines, "And half the seed of Europe, one by one," suggesting that the sacrifice of a ram has been replaced by the senseless slaughter of an entire generation of young men in World War I.
Through "The Parable of the Old Man and the Young," Owen critiques the leaders and institutions that send young men to war, and the human cost of that violence. The poem suggests that the sacrifice of young men in war is no less senseless and destructive than the sacrifice of a son in the biblical story, and calls for a rejection of the destructive power of human ambition. It is a powerful commentary on the tragedy of war, and a call to remember the humanity of all individuals caught up in its violence.
7."Attack" by Siegfried Sassoon
"Attack" by Siegfried Sassoon is a vivid and visceral poem that depicts the brutal and chaotic nature of war, and the human toll it takes on those who fight in it. The poem describes a group of soldiers preparing to go "over the top" and launch an attack on the enemy trenches during World War I.
As the soldiers wait in the trenches, they are plagued by fear and uncertainty about what is to come. They listen to the sounds of gunfire and explosions, and know that they may not make it out alive. The poem then describes the soldiers charging across no man's land, dodging enemy fire and struggling through mud and barbed wire.
Despite the horror and chaos of the battle, the soldiers press on, driven by a sense of duty and loyalty to their comrades. The poem ends with the haunting lines, "O Jesus, make it stop!" suggesting the soldiers' desperation for the violence to end.
Through "Attack," Sassoon portrays the senselessness and brutality of war, and the way it dehumanizes those who participate in it. The poem is a powerful commentary on the devastating human cost of conflict, and a call to remember the individual humanity of those caught up in its violence. It is a haunting and poignant reminder of the futility of war and the need for compassion and empathy in the face of violence and destruction.
8."The Last Laugh" by Wilfred Owen
"The Last Laugh" by Wilfred Owen is a bitter and ironic poem that uses dark humor to critique the glorification of war and the dehumanization of soldiers who participate in it. The poem describes a group of soldiers who have been gassed and are dying in agony. As they die, they realize the irony of the situation - that they have been sent to fight and die for their country, only to be killed by their own side.
Despite their suffering, the soldiers in the poem find a dark humor in their situation. They joke and laugh together, acknowledging the senselessness of their deaths and the absurdity of the situation. The poem ends with the powerful and ironic lines, "The dead man's laughter whispers, / And whistles through the trees."
Through "The Last Laugh," Owen critiques the way war dehumanizes those who participate in it, and the way soldiers are often used as pawns in political games without regard for their individual humanity. The poem also challenges the idea that war is heroic or noble, and instead highlights the senselessness and tragedy of the violence it entails. It is a powerful and haunting commentary on the human cost of war, and a call to remember the individual humanity of those caught up in its violence.
9."Break of Day in the Trenches" by Isaac Rosenberg
"Break of Day in the Trenches" by Isaac Rosenberg is a poignant and powerful poem that contrasts the beauty and tranquility of nature with the horrors of war. The poem describes a soldier in the trenches during World War I who is awakened by a rat scurrying over his hand. As he watches the rat, he reflects on the senselessness of war and the way it dehumanizes those who participate in it.
The soldier then turns his attention to the natural world around him, and describes the beauty of the dawn breaking over the battlefield. He notes the delicate flowers that grow amidst the destruction, and the way the sky is "blue-lidded" and "softly lighted." Despite the beauty of the natural world, however, the soldier is unable to escape the reality of the war he is caught up in.
Through "Break of Day in the Trenches," Rosenberg uses vivid and evocative language to contrast the beauty of nature with the horror of war. The poem highlights the way war dehumanizes those who participate in it, and the tragedy of young men being caught up in a conflict they have little control over. It is a powerful and haunting reminder of the human cost of war, and a call to remember the individual humanity of those caught up in its violence.
10."The Conscript" by Wilfred Gibson
"The Conscript" by Wilfred Gibson is a powerful and haunting poem that explores the psychological impact of war on young soldiers. The poem describes a young man who is conscripted into the army during World War I, and who experiences a range of emotions as he faces the reality of war.
The young man initially feels a sense of excitement and adventure as he joins the army and prepares to go to war. However, as he begins to experience the horrors of the battlefield, his excitement turns to fear and despair. He is haunted by the images of death and destruction he witnesses, and feels a sense of guilt for his role in the violence.
The poem ends with the young man realizing the futility and senselessness of war. He reflects on the fact that the enemy soldiers he fights against are also young men like himself, caught up in a conflict they did not choose. He concludes that war serves no purpose other than to destroy lives and families, and that there is no glory or honor in the violence it entails.
Through "The Conscript," Gibson portrays the psychological impact of war on young soldiers, and the way it dehumanizes and traumatizes those who participate in it. The poem is a powerful commentary on the devastating human cost of conflict, and a call to remember the individual humanity of those caught up in its violence.
11."Refugee Blues" by W. H. Auden
"Refugee Blues" by W. H. Auden is a poignant and powerful poem that explores the plight of refugees fleeing persecution and violence during World War II. The poem uses stark and evocative imagery to portray the desperation and hopelessness of those forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in foreign lands.
The poem is narrated by a refugee who is wandering through a city, desperately searching for a place to stay. He is accompanied by his wife, who is pregnant, and together they encounter closed doors and indifference from the people they ask for help. The poem ends with the haunting refrain, "No one wants us here."
Through "Refugee Blues," Auden highlights the way war and persecution can displace and dehumanize entire populations, forcing them to seek refuge in unfamiliar and often hostile environments. The poem is a powerful commentary on the plight of refugees, and a call to recognize the individual humanity of those who have been forced to flee their homes and seek safety elsewhere. It is a reminder that, in the face of war and violence, we must strive to show compassion and empathy towards those who have been displaced and traumatized.
12."Suicide in the Trenches" by Siegfried Sassoon
"Suicide in the Trenches" by Siegfried Sassoon is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the devastating psychological impact of war on soldiers. The poem tells the story of a young soldier who, after experiencing the horrors of trench warfare, takes his own life.
The soldier is described as being "simple" and "awkward," and is ridiculed by his fellow soldiers for his lack of education and sophistication. However, when he goes to war and witnesses the violence and brutality of battle, he becomes deeply disillusioned and traumatized. He realizes that the heroic ideals of war are false and that there is no glory or honor in the violence he is caught up in.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly haunting, as it describes the soldier's suicide and the callous indifference of those around him:
"You smug-faced crowds with kindling eye Who cheer when soldier lads march by, Sneak home and pray you'll never know The hell where youth and laughter go."
Through "Suicide in the Trenches," Sassoon highlights the devastating psychological toll of war on young soldiers, and the way it can lead to disillusionment, trauma, and suicide. The poem is a powerful commentary on the way war dehumanizes those who participate in it, and a call to remember the individual humanity of those caught up in its violence.
13."The Dead" by Rupert Brooke
"The Dead" by Rupert Brooke is a poignant and elegiac poem that pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. The poem is written in the form of a sonnet and is divided into two stanzas.
In the first stanza, Brooke describes the soldiers who have died in battle as "breathing English air" and being "in hearts at peace." He suggests that, even though they are no longer alive, they are still a part of the country they fought for and are remembered fondly by those who loved them.
In the second stanza, Brooke describes the land where the soldiers are buried as a place of "rich and sweet" soil. He suggests that, even though the soldiers have died, their sacrifice has enriched the land and made it more beautiful.
Through "The Dead," Brooke pays tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and highlights the way their sacrifice has enriched the country and its people. The poem is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and a call to remember the individual lives lost in the violence and trauma of conflict.
14."Exposure" by Wilfred Owen
"Exposure" by Wilfred Owen is a haunting and powerful poem that depicts the harsh realities of trench warfare during World War I. The poem is divided into eight stanzas and is written in a bleak and minimalist style.
The poem portrays the soldiers as being exposed to the harsh elements of nature, including snow, wind, and rain. The soldiers are depicted as being cold, hungry, and exhausted, and are unable to protect themselves from the elements. They are also exposed to the constant threat of enemy fire and attack, and are forced to endure the psychological torment of waiting for the next assault.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly haunting, as it describes the soldiers as being "sunk too deep for war and peace." This suggests that the soldiers have been so traumatized by the violence and brutality of war that they have lost their sense of self and their ability to connect with the world around them.
Through "Exposure," Owen highlights the way war can dehumanize and traumatize soldiers, exposing them to extreme physical and psychological stress. The poem is a powerful commentary on the devastating toll of war on individual lives, and a call to remember the human cost of conflict.
15."Repression of War Experience" by Siegfried Sassoon
"Repression of War Experience" is a poem by Siegfried Sassoon that explores the psychological aftermath of war on soldiers. The poem is written in free verse and is divided into four stanzas.
In the first stanza, Sassoon describes the way in which war experience can be repressed or suppressed by soldiers who have returned home. He suggests that the horrors of war are too difficult to process and that soldiers may struggle to come to terms with what they have seen and experienced.
The second stanza explores the idea that repressing war experience can have negative consequences for soldiers, who may struggle with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues as a result of their experiences. Sassoon suggests that it is important for soldiers to confront their war experiences and to seek support and help if they are struggling to cope.
In the third stanza, Sassoon describes the way in which society can also contribute to the repression of war experience. He suggests that society may view soldiers as heroes and may not want to acknowledge the darker realities of war. This can make it difficult for soldiers to talk about their experiences and can contribute to their feelings of isolation and disconnection.
The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that soldiers can find a way to come to terms with their war experiences and to move on with their lives. Sassoon suggests that this process of healing is difficult but necessary, and that it requires both individual and societal support.
Overall, "Repression of War Experience" is a powerful commentary on the psychological toll of war on soldiers and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the traumatic effects of conflict. Sassoon's poem is a reminder of the need to support soldiers who have experienced the horrors of war and to work towards a society that is more open and honest about the realities of conflict.
16."A War Film" by Tony Harrison
"A War Film" is a poem by Tony Harrison that explores the way in which war is portrayed in popular culture, particularly in films. The poem is written in free verse and is divided into three stanzas.
In the first stanza, Harrison describes watching a war film and feeling disconnected from the violence and brutality on screen. He suggests that the film presents war as something that is distant and removed from everyday life, and that it fails to capture the true horror and devastation of conflict.
In the second stanza, Harrison reflects on his own family history and the way in which war has affected his own life. He describes his father's experiences as a soldier in World War II and suggests that these experiences have left a lasting impact on his family.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful commentary on the way in which war can be glorified and mythologized in popular culture. Harrison suggests that the image of the heroic soldier is a myth, and that the reality of war is much more complex and disturbing.
Through "A War Film," Harrison offers a powerful critique of the way in which war is portrayed in popular culture. He suggests that films and other forms of media often present a sanitized and idealized version of conflict, and that this can make it difficult for people to fully understand the true horrors of war. The poem is a call to remember the human cost of war and to work towards a world in which conflict is no longer necessary.
17."The Send-Off" by Wilfred Owen
"The Send-Off" is a poem by Wilfred Owen that explores the experiences of soldiers who are being sent off to war. The poem is written in four stanzas, each with six lines.
In the first stanza, the soldiers are being "sent off" and are preparing to leave. The mood is somber, and there is a sense of foreboding as the soldiers say their goodbyes.
In the second stanza, the soldiers are described as "grimly gay" as they march away from their loved ones. The phrase "grimly gay" suggests that the soldiers are trying to put on a brave face, but that they are acutely aware of the danger and uncertainty that lies ahead.
In the third stanza, the soldiers board a train, and the atmosphere becomes even more bleak. The word "siding" suggests that the soldiers are being sent away to a place of no return, and the image of the "grimy scraps" of paper being thrown from the train suggests that the soldiers are being treated as disposable objects.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the soldiers are described as "smiling" and "carefree" as they march towards their deaths. The phrase "Their breasts were stuck all white with wreath and spray / As men's are, dead" suggests that the soldiers are already being prepared for their deaths, and that they are being treated as mere symbols rather than as human beings.
Overall, "The Send-Off" is a powerful commentary on the way in which soldiers are treated as expendable objects in times of war. The poem is a reminder of the human cost of conflict, and a call to remember the sacrifices made by those who have fought and died in wars throughout history.
18."The Sun Used to Shine" by Edward Thomas
"The Sun Used to Shine" is a poem by Edward Thomas that reflects on the impact of war on the natural world. The poem is written in five stanzas, each with four lines.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes how the sun used to shine and how the world was filled with life and color. However, he suggests that this has all changed since the outbreak of war.
In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the way in which the war has transformed the landscape. He suggests that the fields are now filled with barbed wire and that the natural beauty of the countryside has been destroyed.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes how the war has affected the animals that used to roam freely in the countryside. He suggests that they have been driven away by the noise and destruction of war.
In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on the impact of the war on human beings. He suggests that the soldiers who have gone off to fight are no longer the same people that they once were, and that the war has changed them in fundamental ways.
In the final stanza of the poem, the speaker suggests that the world will never be the same again after the war. He suggests that the sun will continue to shine, but that it will be a different kind of sun, shining on a world that has been forever transformed by the horrors of war.
Overall, "The Sun Used to Shine" is a powerful reflection on the impact of war on the natural world and on human beings. The poem is a reminder of the cost of conflict and a call to remember the sacrifices made by those who have fought and died in wars throughout history.
19."Not Dead" by Siegfried Sassoon
"Not Dead" is a poem that explores the aftermath of war, particularly the difficulty of returning to civilian life after experiencing the trauma and violence of combat. The poem begins with a soldier returning home from war, where he is met by his family and friends. However, despite the warmth of their welcome, the soldier feels isolated and disconnected from those around him. He feels like an outsider in his own home, unable to connect with the people he once knew and loved.
The poem then shifts to a dream sequence, where the soldier is visited by the ghosts of his fallen comrades. The ghosts reassure him that they are not truly dead, but instead live on in his memory and in the memories of those who knew them. The soldier is comforted by this thought, but also feels a sense of sadness and loss, as he realizes that he will never be able to fully escape the trauma of war.
Through "Not Dead," Sassoon explores the psychological toll of war, particularly the sense of isolation and disconnection that many soldiers feel when they return home. The poem also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even though the fallen soldiers are gone, they still live on in the memories of those who knew them, and that their sacrifice was not in vain.
20."Naming of Parts" by Henry Reed
"Naming of Parts" by Henry Reed is a poem that juxtaposes the mundanity of a military training exercise with the brutality of war. The poem is structured as a dialogue between a military instructor and his trainees, who are learning how to disassemble and clean their rifles. The first half of the poem focuses on the technical details of the exercise, with the instructor carefully explaining the different parts of the rifle and how to care for them.
However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the trainees are not fully engaged in the exercise. Their minds are elsewhere, and they are distracted by the beauty of the surrounding nature. In contrast to the stark language of the instructor, the trainees' thoughts are filled with vivid descriptions of flowers, trees, and birds. The poem reaches its climax when the instructor abruptly interrupts the trainees' daydreaming, shouting "Fire!" and jolting them back to reality.
Through "Naming of Parts," Reed critiques the military training system, which he sees as an attempt to dehumanize soldiers and turn them into emotionless killing machines. The poem suggests that even in the midst of war, soldiers are still capable of appreciating the beauty of the natural world and feeling a connection to their surroundings. The contrast between the stark language of the instructor and the lyrical descriptions of nature in the trainees' thoughts highlights the disconnect between the military and the human experience, and the ways in which war can strip soldiers of their humanity.