Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FIVE SOULS, by WILLIAM NORMAN EWER Poet's Biography First Line: I was a peasant of the polish plain Last Line: For those who bade me fight had told me so. Alternate Author Name(s): Ewer, W. N. Subject(s): Holidays; Veterans Day; World War I; First World War | ||||||||
FIRST SOUL I was a peasant of the Polish plain; I left my plough because the message ran Russia, in danger, needed every man To save her from the Teuton; and was slain. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. SECOND SOUL I was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer: I gladly left my mountain home to fight Against the brutal, treacherous Muscovite; And died in Poland on a Cossack spear. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. THIRD SOUL I worked in Lyons at my weaver's loom, When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled His felon blow at France and at the world; Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FOURTH SOUL I owned a vineyard by the wooded Main, Until the Fatherland begirt by foes Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose Swift to the calland died in fair Lorraine. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FIFTH SOUL I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde: There came a sudden word of wars declared, Of Belgium peaceful, helpless, unprepared, Asking our aid: I joined the ranks and died. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...D'ANNUNZIO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY 1915: THE TRENCHES by CONRAD AIKEN TO OUR PRESIDENT by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE HORSES by KATHARINE LEE BATES CHILDREN OF THE WAR by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE U-BOAT CREWS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE RED CROSS NURSE by KATHARINE LEE BATES WAR PROFITS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE UNCHANGEABLE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN SONG OF KAREN, THE DANCING CHILD by KATHERINE MANSFIELD SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ELIZABETH CHILDERS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |
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