Your battle-wounds are scars upon my heart,
Received when in that grand and tragic 'show'
You played your part,
Two years ago,
And silver in the summer morning sun
I see the symbol of your courage glow --
That Cross you won
Two years ago.
Though now again you watch the shrapnel fly,
And hear the guns that daily louder grow,
As in July
Two years ago.
May you endure to lead the Last Advance
And with your men pursue the flying foe
As once in France
Two years ago.
Notes
Captain E h Brittain MC killed in action in the Austrian offensive on the Italian front,
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Arrived too late
From guest Kris McCusker (contact)
According to "Letters from a Lost Generation," by Bishop and Bostridge, Vera Brittain inscribed this poem on the flyleaf of the book "The Muse in Arms" and sent it to her brother Edward in 1918. Alas, it had not arrived yet when he was killed in action. -
...
From guest A. Grant (contact)
I just wanted to add, My great great uncle was killed in the same offensive, the same year. Though I never knew him, the years I've spent searching for the location of his grave have made me feel quite close to him. He was 18, younger than my little brother. -
To my brother
From guest A Grant (contact)
Having studied WW1 literature both at school and in my own time this has always stood out as my favourite poem. I think anyone can relate to it, imagine how you would feel if it was your brother. It's such a strong poem which touches so mnay yet is deeply personal. -
to my brother
From guest Mary Baldwin (contact)
this is such a deep and personal poem which i feel all of us can relate to. -
Timeless
From guest Steven Ingle (contact)
I am a Vietnam veteran and have read other works by Vera Brittain. She has in the past and still reflects the essence of this soldier's heart.
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