“To An Athlete Dying Young“ by A E Housman (read by Tom O’Bedlam)

Although this poem is memorable and well crafted, it’s hard to find any sympathy with its message. Here’s a parody of Housman by Hugh Kingsmill - which even Housman himself acknowleged as noteworthy: What, still alive at twenty-two, A clean upstanding chap like you? Why, if your throat is hard to slit, Slit your girl’s and swing for it! Like enough you won’t be glad When they come to hang you, lad. But bacon’s not the only thing Cured by hanging from a string.