'Nice Kind Germans' Poem by A. P. Herbert

When Rome, and Rommel, disappoint the foe
The Nice Kind German is again on show.
On go the sheep-skins, and the wolves protest
Milk is their diet and they love us best;
While flabby folk compassionately view
A fellow-being just the same as you.

But when the random death patrols the sky,
When 'London burns' and 'Victory is nigh',
The Nice Kind German rollicks with the rest
And gloating hate commands the lamb-like breast.
Here's no surprise—and nothing for regret:
There was a danger that we might forget.
June 25, 1944