I saw a man this morning
Patrick Shaw-Stewart.
I saw a man this morning Who did not wish to die I ask, and cannot answer, If otherwise wish I.
Fair broke the day this morning Against the Dardanelles; The breeze blew soft, the morn's cheeks Were cold as cold sea-shells.
But other shells are waiting Across the Aegean sea, Shrapnel and high explosive, Shells and hells for me.
O hell of ships and cities, Hell of men like me, Fatal second Helen, Why must I follow thee?
Achilles came to Troyland And I to Chersonese: He turned from wrath to battle, And I from three days' peace.
Was it so hard, Achilles, So very hard to die? Thou knewest and I know not— So much the happier I.
I will go back this morning From Imbros over the sea; Stand in the trench, Achilles, Flame-capped, and shout for me.
Patrick Shaw-Stewart survived Gallipoli but was killed in France in 1917 and buried at Metz-en-Couture.
