I dag, 13. november, markeres Remembrance Sunday til minne om de falne i to verdenskriger.
One of a collection of 33 postcard photographs, some taken from official photographs, Western Front, World War One. National Army Museum, London
The Dead
These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth.
The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.
There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,
Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night.
Sub-lieutenant Rupert Brooke (1887-1915)
Hva med en stemme fra den andre siden?
Noen uker før 1.verdenskrig brøt ut skrev
Carl Zuckmayer (1896-1977) dette diktet:
„Einmal, wenn alles vorbei ist,
Werden Mütter weinen und Bräute klagen,
Und man wird unterm Bild des Herrn Jesus Christ
Wieder die frommen Kreuze schlagen.
Und man wird sagen: es ist doch vorbei!
Laßt die Toten ihre Toten beklagen!
Uns aber, uns brach es das Herz entzwei,
Und wir müssen unser Lebtag die Scherben tragen.“