During and immediately surrounding the first World War, there were many prominent writers of whom we still read today. One very popular writing style at the time was poetry. Rudyard Kipling is one of these poets. Though today many people don't agree with many of Kipling's ideas, that doesn't mean that he wasn't a very important historical figure and a prolific writer of the time. His word on war ring true in the hearts of the soldiers that go off to battle and the families they leave behind. It is inevitable that death will come from war and yet men and boys charge straight into the belly of the beast without a fear in the world. This is the nature of war, but a war like this one was never experienced before. The excitement of the soldiers had never before been so strong and the veil of grief had never hung so heavily over the world all at once. War teaches us lessons and World War I was a lesson to all. http://www.firstworldwar.warpoetry.co.uk/poetry4war.html#PRELUDE The earth is full of anger, The seas are dark with wrath, The Nations in their harness Go up against our path:Ere yet we loose the legions —Ere yet we draw the blade,Jehovah of the Thunders, Lord God of Battles, aid!High lust and froward bearing, Proud heart, rebellious brow —Deaf ear and soul uncaring, We seek Thy mercy now!The sinner that forswore Thee, The fool that passed Thee by, Our times are known before Thee Lord, grant us strength to die!For those who kneel beside us At altars not Thine own,Who lack the lights that guide us, Lord, let their faith atone!By honour bound they came; Let not Thy Wrath befall them, But deal to us the blame.From panic, pride and terror, Revenge that knows no rein –Light haste and lawless error, Protect us yet again.Cloak Thou our undeserving, Make firm the shuddering breath, In silence and unswerving To taste Thy lesser death.Ah, Mary pierced with sorrow, Remember, reach and save The soul that comes tomorrow Before the God that gave!Since each was born of woman, For each at utter needTrue comrade and true foeman –Madonna, intercede!E'en now their vanguard gathers, E'en now we face the fray –As Thou didst help our fathers, Help Thou our host to-day.Fulfilled of signs and wonders, In life, in death made clear –Jehovah of the Thunders,Lord God of Battles, hear! Rudyard Kipling