Memorial Day

The Man He Killed

by Thomas Hardy

        "Had he and I but met
        By some old ancient inn,
        We should have sat us down to wet
        Right many a nipperkin!

        "But ranged as infantry,
        And staring face to face,
        I shot at him and he at me,
        And killed him in his place.

        "I shot him dead because –
        Because he was my foe,
        Just so – my foe of course he was;
        That's clear enough; although

        "He thought he'd 'list perhaps,
        Off-hand like – just as I –
        Was out of work – had sold his traps –
        No other reason why.

        "Yes; quaint and curious war is!
        You shoot a fellow down
        You'd treat if met where any bar is,
        Or help to half-a-crown."