Wilfred Owen: Poems
anthem for doomed youth
who is reffered to in the opening lines of the poem
who is reffered to in the opening lines of the poem
The many soldiers who have died in the first World War are referred to in the opening lines of the poem.
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.
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, –The shrill, demented
choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires.
ANTHEM FOR DOOMED YOUTH