Soldier poets of the Great War (VII): The enduring power of Wilfred Owen's words

During the summer, the Best Defense is in
re-runs. Here are some favorites that ran in late 2012 and in 2013. This item originally
ran on March 5, 2013.

Of
all the World War I poets, Wilfred Owen stands up best, I
think (and yes, I do know I am far from alone). His words feel much more modern
to me, almost contemporary. "And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds." Great word control.

Here
are two other passages from him:

The
burying-party, picks and shovels in their shaking grasp,

Pause
over half-known faces. All their eyes are ice . . . .

And
then there is this:

Happy
are those who lose imagination:

They
have enough to carry with ammunition.

And
of course if you haven't read his great poem about a
gas attack,
you should do that right now.