The Safe Spartans

Vigorously we'll line the curb and shout,

"Onward!" to dazzling and bedazzled boys.

My cocks, we know what it is all about,

For we have... We shall make a strident noise:

We, such old men as savagely we cursed

From nightmare trenches, from our bloody sweats

That now are abstract legends much rehearsed . . .

(How stoutly we met shrapnel and bayonets!)

Meet bayonet and shrapnel, naked youth!

"Onward!" we'll shout, safe-armored by the years.

Fine casuists, we'll call a drum-beat truth,

And from our very bellies lift sleek cheers.

Go glitter on to what you shall endure

While we flaunt iron, spartan and secure.