Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SORTIE; TO H.B.S., by AUSTIN PHILIPS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SORTIE; TO H.B.S., by                    
First Line: Beyond the bridge that spans the encircling fosse
Last Line: Victor or vanquished, you were in the van.
Subject(s): Brotherhood; Friendship


BEYOND the bridge that spans the encircling fosse,
The morning sunlight sparkles on the mail,
Loud trumpets blare: unfurled, the pennants sail
With serpent tongues that the gay breezes toss
Toward the scarlet East. And, far across
The wooded splendour of the northern dale,
Death shall hold carnival, till streamlets pale
Out-vie the western orb's empurpled boss.

Brother, whose genius makes the canvas glow
Warm and alive, as only genius can,
Surely your stormy spirit met the foe
That pageant morning in some other man,
Who fought and conquered. This, at least, I know,
Victor or vanquished, you were in the van.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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