Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE SOLDIER'S DEATHBED, by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Like thee to die, thou sun! - my boyhood's dream Last Line: Offers a trusting spirit up to god. Alternate Author Name(s): Browne, Felicia Dorothea Subject(s): Death; Soldiers; Dead, The | ||||||||
Like thee to die, thou sun! -- My boyhood's dream Was this; and now my spirit, with thy beam, Ebbs from a field of victory! -- yet the hour Bears back upon me, with a torrent's power, Nature's deep longings: -- Oh! for some kind eye, Wherein to meet love's fervent farewell gaze; Some breast to pillow life's last agony, Some voice, to speak of hope and brighter days, Beyond the pass of shadows! But I go, I that have been so loved, go hence alone; And ye, now gathering round my own hearth's glow, Sweet friends! it may be that a softer tone, Even in this moment, with your laughing glee, Mingles its cadence while you speak of me: Of me, your soldier, 'midst the mountains lying, On the red banner of his battles dying, Far, far away! -- and oh! your parting prayer -- Will not his name be fondly murmured there? It will! A blessing on that holy hearth! Though clouds are darkening to o'ercast its mirth. Mother! I may not hear thy voice again; Sisters! ye watch to greet my step in vain; Young brother, fare thee well! -- on each dear head Blessing and love a thousandfold be shed, My soul's last earthly breathings! May your home Smile for you ever! May no winter come, No world, between your hearts! May even your tears, For my sake, full of long-remembered years, Quicken the true affections that entwine Your lives in one bright bond! I may not sleep Amidst our fathers, where those tears might shine Over my slumbers; yet your love will keep My memory living in the ancestral halls, Where shame hath never trod: -- the dark night falls, And I depart. The brave are gone to rest, The brothers of my combats, on the breast Of the red field they reaped: -- their work is done -- Thou, too, art set! -- farewell, farewell, thou sun! The last lone watcher of the bloody sod, Offers a trusting spirit up to God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND A DIRGE (1) by FELICIA DOROTHEA HEMANS |
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