The Warrior?

Would I have joined a war,
in answer to my country's call?
When explosions shook the ground
and bullets sang
and over there a man
crumpled without a murmour,
the back of his head
completely gone,
would I have "Up at at em!"
Would I have been a hero,
storming alone the
machine-gun nest,
blowing its nestlings
to kingdom come
with a handgranade?

Or not?

Was I the one who
crouched in fear,
paralysed in icy terror,
with just my eyes and ears
released, to feed my dread?

Am I the man beneath that cross,
"He gave his life so we might live" ?

Am I the man whose grandson
smiles and gives me a kiss;
Am I the man who harbours
deep a secret shame
of cowardice?