Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOLDIER-BOY, by WILLIAM MAGINN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SOLDIER-BOY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I give my soldier-boy a blade
Last Line: I gave my soldier-boy a blade.
Subject(s): Soldiers


I GIVE my soldier-boy a blade,
In fair Damascus fashion'd well;
Who first the glittering falchion sway'd,
Who first beneath its fury fell,
I know not; but I hope to know
That for no mean or hireling trade,
To guard no feeling base or low,
I give my soldier-boy a blade.

Cool, calm, and clear, the lucid flood
In which its tempering work was done:
As calm, as clear, as cool of mood,
Be thou whene'er it sees the sun.
For country's claim, at honor's call,
For outraged friend, insulted maid,
At mercy's voice to bid it fall,
I give my soldier-boy a blade.

The eye which mark'd its peerless edge,
The hand that weigh'd its balanced poise,
Anvil and pincers, forge and wedge,
Are gone with all their flame and noise --
And still the gleaming sword remains;
So, when in dust I low am laid,
Remember by these heart-felt strains,
I gave my soldier-boy a blade.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net