‘frustration' Poem by A. P. Herbert

‘Frustration' is the favourite word —
The quaintest cry I ever heard:
For who can say he lives in vain
While Hitler and his hordes remain?

Brave men, we know, detest him so
They scarce can wait the word to go:
But they know better than the rest
The bravest soldier waits the best.

Brave others, too, toil, night and day,
At dull and humble jobs, and say
‘The dullest deed's a deed well done
If it will help to hit the Hun.'

But there are those so wise and fine
There is no sun unless they shine;
And if they are not at the top
Will find the Pyramids a flop.

If Nelson, Wellington, and Pitt
Came back again to do their bit
These gentlemen would still know more
About the conduct of the war.

And when at last St. Peter waits
To guide them through the Golden Gates,
‘Frustrated' still, they'll criticise
The management of Paradise.