The Man He Killed - 1902 poem by Thomas Hardy

Описание: A short film adaptation of the poem "The Man He Killed" written by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1902.

The war referred to in the poem is the Boer War. A "nipperkin" is a small amount of drink and to "sell his traps" means to sell his trappings or belongings.

"Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have sat us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!

"But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot at him as he at me,
And killed him in his place.

"I shot him dead because —
Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
That's clear enough; although

"He thought he'd 'list, perhaps,
Off-hand like — just as I —
Was out of work — had sold his traps —
No other reason why.

"Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You'd treat if met where any bar is,
Or help to half-a-crown."

Featuring David Macey as The Solider.
Props were supplied by ProperNellies.
Unit Photography by Nick Hardy.
Music by Daniel Potts.

Reading by David Macey.

Directed and Edited by Bob Jordan.

Shot on iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Battle sounds are from the bbc.co.uk archives are Copyright © 2025, BBC.

This is an Obverse Films production for Poetry Page
Copyright © 2025, Obverse Films Ltd.

#poetry #poetryvideo #poetrycommunity #thomashardy #shortfilm #shotoniphone