"Five Souls" by Wiliam N. Ewer

William N. Ewer (1885–1976) was a British journalist, pacifist, conscientious objector, and a lecturer for the Union of Democratic Control. He is mostly remembered for this inspired piece of anti-war poetry. After the Great War, he functioned as a low-level Soviet agent until the Cold War, when he became an ardent anti-Communist.

First Soul

I was a peasant of the Polish plain;

I left my plough because the message ran:-

Russia, in danger, needed every man

To save her from the Teuton; and was slain.

I gave my life for freedom - This I know

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

Second Soul

I was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer;

I gladly left my mountain home to fight

Against the brutal treacherous Muscovite;

And died in Poland on a Cossack spear.

I gave my life for freedom - This I know

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

Third Soul

I worked in Lyons at my weaver's loom,

When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled

His felon blow at France and at the world;

Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom.

I gave my life for freedom - This I know

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

Fourth Soul

I owned a vineyard by the wooded Main,

Until the Fatherland, begirt by foes

Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose

Swift to the call - and died in far Lorraine.

I gave my life for freedom - This I know

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

Fifth Soul

I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde;

There came a sudden word of wars declared,

Of Belgium, peaceful, helpless, unprepared,

Asking our aid: I joined the ranks, and died.

I gave my life for freedom - This I know

For those who bade me fight had told me so.

Source: All Poetry