(see: Interspex, by Clark Nida)
In an attempt to convey the atmosphere of the First and Second Olympian Wars, the novel introduces readers to a poem by Kostoglotov, which is quoted only in snatches. The full text of the poem is given below:
Old men reminisce on their campaigns and wars… But no one remembers the Battle of Mars. Of crucial importance in ruling the sky; Mankind went to live there, and men went to die… They died in their thousands, so we sent thousands more, To stain Rugged Red ever redder with gore. Old men scribble reams on their campaigns and wars… But no one spills ink on the Battle of Mars. Formidable castle commanding the plain; The Nix was assaulted again and again. Through dust and through craters the mars-rovers roamed, Spilling blood on the soil which bubbled and foamed. From their campaigns and wars, old men show their scars… But no one trades wounds from the Battle of Mars. While on Earth, loved ones prayed as they gazed out in space: Oh! Bring the boys home from that terrible place! But for all that she wept and implored for his life; Not a soldier came back to the arms of his wife. Let them sing their vain songs about victories in wars… There are no tunes of glory from the Battle of Mars. And when weapons fell silent and death lay around, From Victory’s trumpet came forth not a sound. There’s none can recall how the battle got started; For victor and vanquished alike have departed. Let generals proclaim that there’s honour in wars… But there’s nothing but shame from the Battle of Mars. We pick up the pieces to this very day. The war’s not been fought that blows problem away. But, with every fresh battle, new issues unfold; To stand alongside and tower over the old. Let us never forget, as we sail for the stars, That the voyage began with the battle for Mars.