By Barddylbach
If you think you know the history,
can distinguish fact from legend and myth,
if the Great War could ever be won at Gallipoli
by Arcadian heroes fighting in the trenches
and absent British generals;
If you think you know the truth,
can turn a deaf ear to national pride and memory,
if the peace was ever preserved by battle and blood
on the western front and beaches,
by monument and shrine;
If you think you know their story,
can cast an even eye to those around you still,
forever haunted by machine gun, mine, death and mud,
wounded by the crowd, by those who sent you
dead or alive, blood and gutless remain;
If you think you know your country,
can speak for the vanquished voices of our past,
man and woman, black or white without prejudice or resentment,
if this could ever better our world, all just all settled
lessons learnt; then think it through again.
This poem was originally published on All Poetry.
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