War and Hell - Ernest Crosby

War and Hell
Ernest H. Cosby

There is 'great rejoicing at the nation's capital'. So says the
morning's paper.

The enemy's fleet has been annihilated.

Mothers are delighted because other mothers have lost sons
just like their own;
Wives and daughters smile at the thought of new-made
widows and orphans;
Strong men are full of glee because other strong men are
either slain or doomed to rot alive in torments;
Small boys are delirious with pride and joy as they fancy
themselves thrusting swords into soft flesh, and
burning and laying waste such homes as they
themselves inhabit;

Another capital is cast down with mourning and
humiliation just in proportion as ours is raised up,
and that is the very spice of our triumph...

This is life—this is patriotism—this is rapture!
But we—what are we, men or devils? and our Christian
capital—what is it but an outpost of Hell?







What do you think?