The dead...are more real than the living because they are complete. - Siegfried Sassoon

He’s a cheery old card”, grunted Harry to Jack
As they slogged up to Arras with rifle and pack.

But he did for them both by his plan of attack. (The General)

Soldiers are citizens of death's grey land,
Drawing no dividend from time's to-morrows.
In the great hour of destiny they stand, Each with his feuds, and jealousies, and sorrows.

I did not dread the dark winter as people do when they have lost their youth and live alone in some great city.