The Man He Killed - A poem by Thomas Hardy


Poem of the Day \| Top 30 \| Poets \| Shopping \| Forums \| Search \| Comments Today, on July 7th, 2008, the site contains 193 poets, 8,680 poems and 4,500 comments.

Thomas Hardy - The Man He Killed

Had he and I but met 
By some old ancient inn, 
We should have set us down to wet 
Right many a nipperkin! 

But ranged as infantry, 
And staring face to face, 
I shot at him as he at me, 
And killed him in his place. 

I shot him dead because-- 
Because he was my foe, 
Just so: my foe of course he was; 
That's clear enough; although 

He thought he'd 'list, perhaps, 
Off-hand like--just as I-- 
Was out of work--had sold his traps-- 
No other reason why. 

Yes; quaint and curious war is! 
You shoot a fellow down 
You'd treat, if met where any bar is, 
Or help to half a crown.

Added: on December 1st, 2005 at 10:18 AM | Viewed: 7159 times | Comments (5)

The Man He Killed - Comments and Information
Poet: Thomas Hardy Poem: The Man He Killed Poem of the Day on: May 20 2006 Comment 5 of 5, added on August 7th, 2006 at 3:04 AM. the poem as rightly said in its criticism demolishes the belief in patriotic motives!! The soldiers are out on the front not just to protect their nation and people but also, simply, to earn their living!! But, ofcourse, at the cost of their lives, which one should not overlook. A harsh fact the poem does mirror but truly telling in its tone that after all the soldiers are also very much human!! ashwini from India Comment 4 of 5, added on December 21st, 2005 at 4:42 PM. The Man He Killed Ahmed from Egypt Comment 3 of 5, added on December 1st, 2005 at 10:18 AM. This is a very great poem! The main character is very personable and human! I give Thomas Hardy three thumbs way way up! T-Weazel from United States More Comments >> Are you looking for more information on this poem? Perhaps you are trying to analyze it? The poem, The Man He Killed, has received 5 comments. Click here to read them, and perhaps post a comment of your own. Of course you can also always discuss poems by Thomas Hardy with others on the Poetry Connection poetry forum!

Poem Info
The Man He Killed Last read: 2008-07-02 10:17:27 Poem of the Day on: May 20 2006 Viewed 7159 times. Added on December 1st, 2005 at 10:18 AM.

Hardy Info
Biography More Poems (217 poems) Books