“The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke (1915)

“The Soldier” is the fifth poem in a series of poems titled 1914. Published in 1915, the series appeared as part of a book titled 1914 and Other Poems. It often appears in contrast with Wilfred Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum est.” The poem is written in the Petrarchan/Italian sonnet form, which consists of 14 lines. The sonnet conveys the memories of a deceased soldier who declares his patriotism as well as the understanding that his sacrifice is owned by all of England. The poem has significant cultural reference and influence, and it has been alluded to in songs by Pink Floyd and in TV series like Blackadder Goes Forth.

“‘A bridge used to be there, someone recalled’” by Serhiy Zhadan (2019)

In this poem, Ukrainian poet Serhiy Zhadan depicts the toll war takes on civilians. The poem utilizes images of patrols and their interactions with civilians. The poem’s speaker remains ambivalent and does not reveal which cause or perspective they support. Like “The Hurt Locker,” Zhadan’s poem is filled with images that balance civilian life with military life, but the overwhelming images of war dominate the poem.