Rudyard Kipling

«Epitaphs of the War». 1914-1918. 23. The Rebel

If I had clamoured at Thy Gate 
    For gift of Life on Earth, 
And, thrusting through the souls that wait, 
    Flung headlong into birth— 
Even then, even then, for gin and snare 
    About my pathway spread, 
Lord, I had mocked Thy thoughtful care 
    Before I joined the Dead! 
But now?... I was beneath Thy Hand 
    Ere yet the Planets came. 
And now—though Planets pass, I stand 
    The witness to Thy shame!