Poem of William Hermanns

                      War
 
Soldier, dance, embrace me fast;
a million eyes admire you,
the nation's idol. While you dance,
your brow will grow a laurel wreath:
You rise above the law.

How proud you wear your colored coat.
Not the civilian, you belong
to every girl with sprouting breasts.
Oh son, when you have gained a medal,
even God you put in awe.

And where the flag, there is the cross:
you will be blessed with sacred mouth.
Your mother waves a last farewell.
She smiles and does not dare to weep,
for glory is in season.

And when you meet your enemy,
you are a man, he is a man.
And though you never. saw his face,
hit first and have no conscience trips.
A thinking soldier -- treason!

Your head and heart be jolly light,
march and invade, strew death about
Oh soldiers' joy! When you return
you march with music through the streets;
your girl helps bear your gun.

Should fate wrap you in a canvas shroud, •
know this: Our God has much to do.
When you were hit He saw tears flow
from a mother's cheek on the enemy side.
She, too, prayed for her son.

But you ascend, a soldier's grave
with cross assures next life with Christ.
What never a human eye has seen,
no hope has hoped, is your reward —
you fell, God loves you more.

And here on earth, a thousand years
sing of a hero's sacrifice.
Memorial Day is mother's praise.
Come, youth, the grateful nation calls,
let flags and trumpets soar!

The colored coat awaits you, too.
How it enhances manliness!
How it prepares your chest for medals!
On every finger hangs a sweetheart —
you are creation's pride.

War is my name, youth dance with me!
I'm sexless lust, I'm blasphemy!
I love the woman, love the man,
embrace the child in mother's womb,
I'm murder sanctified!
 
                                           William Hermanns