Famous Sad Poems - Page 3

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41. Does It Matter?

Siegfried Sassoon's "Does it Matter?" uses a biting tone to expose the societal disconnect from the realities of war. Through a series of rhetorical questions about the impact of severe injuries, the poem presents a sarcastic view of how society might respond. Dismissive suggestions of "kindness" and "splendid work" for the wounded highlight the lack of true understanding for the physical and mental scars soldiers carry. The poem challenges readers to confront the true cost of war and question if society truly values the sacrifices made by veterans.

Famous Poem
- By Siegfried Sassoon
Does it matter?—losing your leg? . . .
For people will always be kind,
And you need not show that you mind
When the others come in after hunting

Does it matter?—losing your leg? . . .
For people will always be kind,
And you need not show that you mind
When the others come in after hunting
To gobble their muffins and eggs.

Does it matter?—losing your sight? . . .
There's such splendid work for the blind;
And people will always be kind,
As you sit on the terrace remembering
And turning your face to the light.

Do they matter?—those dreams from the pit? . . .
You can drink and forget and be glad,
And people won't say that you're mad;
For they'll know that you've fought for your country,
And no one will worry a bit.
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Featured Shared Story

This poem is very thought provoking.
The poet (deceased) was a critical thinker.

Touched by the poem? Share your story! (1)

42. Miss Rosie

Lucille Clifton was an American poet who lived from 1936-2010. Many of her poems show a theme of having strength through adversity. In this poem, a passerby finds Miss Rosie along the street, and she hurls insult after insult at the homeless lady. But this old lady used to be the most beautiful lady in all of Georgia. The last line of the poem changes the tone that was used at the beginning.

Famous Poem
- By Lucille Clifton
when I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too old potato peels

when I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too old potato peels
or
when I watch you
in your old man's shoes
with the little toe cut out
sitting, waiting for your mind
like next week's grocery
I say
when I watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be the best looking gal in Georgia
used to be called the Georgia Rose
I stand up
through your destruction
I stand up
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