The Next War by Robert Graves (1936)
The work explores the cyclical nature of war and its impact on youth and society. It begins with a nostalgic portrayal of children playing war games, symbolizing innocence and the allure of military glory. The poem warns that such games foreshadow a grim reality, as the children are unwittingly bound to serve their country and fight in future conflicts. As the narrative progresses, it reflects on the inevitability of war, suggesting that despite the passage of time, the essence of warfare remains unchanged. The excitement of battle is juxtaposed with the harsh truths of suffering and death, emphasizing that the next war will be even more brutal and complex. The poem critiques the glorification of war, highlighting the disconnect between the romanticized view of military service and the grim realities faced by soldiers. The imagery of children with bows and arrows serves as a metaphor for the innocence lost in the face of impending conflict. The work underscores the idea that future generations will continue to be drawn into the cycle of violence, perpetuating a legacy of suffering. It concludes with a stark reminder that the horrors of war will persist, regardless of the names and faces that change over time. The poem ultimately serves as a commentary on the futility of war and the tragic consequences of societal glorification of military conflict.
By Robert Graves · First published 1936 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Satire · 450 words
First lines
You young friskies who today Jump and fight in Father's hay With bows and arrows and wooden spears, Playing at Royal Welch Fusiliers, Happy though these hours you spend, Have they warned you how games end? Boys, from the first time you prod And thrust with spears of curtain-rod, From the first time you tear and slash Your long-bows from the garden ash, Or fit your shaft with a blue jay feather, Binding the split tops together, From that same hour by fate you're bound As champions of this stony ground, Loyal and true in everything, To serve your Army and your King, Prepared to starve and sweat and die Under some fierce foreign sky, If only to keep safe those joys That belong to British boys, To keep young Prussians from the soft Scented hay of father's loft, And stop young Slavs from cutting bows And bendy spears from Welsh hedgerows.
What this Textopian page supports
The Next War is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1936 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1936 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Satire, Social Commentary, Historical Fiction
- Length: 450 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around the nature of war, its impact on youth, and the cyclical nature of conflict.
- Satire — The poem critiques the romanticization of war and the innocence of youth in the face of violence.
- Social Commentary — It reflects on societal attitudes towards war and the indoctrination of children into militaristic ideals.
Tags
war · poetry · Robert Graves · militarism · youth · innocence · violence · British history · nationalism · sacrifice · futility · childhood