George Herbert Clarke, ed. (1873–1953). A Treasury of War Poetry. 1917.
F. W. Bourdillon
The Debt Unpayable
W
Bold sailor on the sea,
In earth or heaven,
That you should die for me?
O soldier, leal and brave,
Long as I live,
To pay the life you gave?
Can I return to thee,
O stricken heart,
That thou shouldst break for me?
For you has slain life’s flowers,
It withereth
(God grant) all weeds in ours.