The poem explores the theme of innocence and experience through the eyes of a young girl who witnesses the brutal treatment of her family by a group of soldiers during a time of war. The speaker's voice conveys a sense of detachment, observing the violence with a mixture of fascination and horror. The poem raises questions about the nature of childhood and the impact of trauma on individuals.
By John Gould Fletcher · First published 1928 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Imagism, Romanticism