Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SCENE IN A COUNTRY HOSPITAL, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Here, lonely, wounded and apart Last Line: Thank heaven! This -- all -- ends with me soon. Subject(s): American Civil War; Hospitals; United States - History | ||||||||
HERE, lonely, wounded and apart, From out my casement's glimmering round, I watch the wayward bluebirds dart Across yon flowery ground; How sweet the prospect! and how fair The balmy peace of earth and air. But, lowering over fields afar, A red cloud breaks with sulphurous breath, And well I know what gory star, Is regnant in his house of death; Yet faint the conflict's gathering roll, To the fierce tempest in my soul. I, who the foremost ranks had led, To strike for cherished home and land, Groan idly on this torturing bed, With broken frame and palsied hand, So nerveless, 'tis a task to scare, The insects fluttering round my hair. O God! for one brief hour again, Of that grim joy my spirit knew, When foemen's life-blood poured like rain, And sabres flashed and trumpets blew: One hour to smite, or smitten die On the wild breast of victory! It may not be; my pulses beat Too feebly, and my heart is chill. Death, like a thief with stealthy feet Draws nigh to work his ruthless will; Hope, Honor, Glory, pass me by, But he stands near with mocking eye! Ay, smooth the couch! -- pour out the draught, That, haply, for a season's space, Hath power to charm his fatal shaft, And warn the death-damps off my face, A blest reprieve! -- a wondrous boon, Thank Heaven! this -- all -- ends with me soon. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A VISIT TO GETTYSBURG by LUCILLE CLIFTON AFTER SPOTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE by DAVID FERRY ACROSS THE LONG DARK BORDER by EDWARD HIRSCH WALT WHITMAN IN THE CIVIL WAR HOSPITALS by DAVID IGNATOW THE DAY OF THE DEAD SOLDIERS; MARY 30, 1869 by EMMA LAZARUS MANHATTAN, 1609 by EDWIN MARKHAM THE DECISION (APRIL 14, 1861) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE SPARROW HARK IN THE RAIN (ALEXANDER STEPHENS HEARS NEWS) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS A STORM IN THE DISTANCE (AMONG THE GEORGIAN HILLS) by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE |
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