A Contrast

I by the lapping of my household fire, You in the trenches, starved and stiff for cold, You by fatigue in few days grey and old, I with my strength no needs, no calls require: I wrapt in all the peace of heaven entire, You with Hell's powers of darkness fold on fold, You lacking all that life most dear can hold, And I with all my utmost heart's desire. But God shall strike the balance: I have had My good in this my lifetime -- all and more, Have selfish sucked advantage from your strife, While you, brave heroes, on that further shore Shall find all good has equalised all bad; Death may be mine -- you win eternal life.