SITWELL, Osbert


This Generation

Their youth was fevered - passionate, quick to drain

The last few pleasures from the cup of life

Before they turned to suck the dregs of pain

And end their young-old lives in mortal strife.

They paid the debts of many a hundred year

Of foolishness and riches in alloy.

They went to the death; nor did they shed a tear

For all they sacrificed of love and joy.

Their tears ran dry when they were in the womb,

For, entering life - they found it was their tomb.