“That was when the ones who smiled
Were the dead, glad to be at rest.”
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Anna Akhmatova 99
Russian modernist poet 1889–1966Related quotes
“If I were dead, I wouldn't be sad, and I wouldn't be glad, because I wouldn't be.”
“It was a time when only the dead smiled, happy in their peace.”
Source: The Eye of the Heron (1978), Chapter 10 (p. 151)
Johnny Got His Gun (1938)
Context: Did anybody ever come back from the dead, any single one of the millions who got killed, did any one of them ever come back and say by god I’m glad I’m dead because death is always better than dishonor? Did they say I’m glad i died to make the world safe for democracy? Did they say i like death better than losing liberty? Did any of them ever say it’s good to think i got my guts blown out for the honor of my country? Did any of them ever say look at me i’m dead but i died for decency and that’s better than being alive? Did any of them ever say here i am, i’ve been rotting for two years in a foreign grave but it’s wonderful to die for your native land? Did any of them say hurray I died for womanhood and I’m happy, see how I sing even though my mouth is choked with worms?
“Wearied then and glad of rest,
Like the linnet in the nest.”
To Miss Charlotte Pulteney in Her Mother’s Arms (1724)
