Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE FLAG, by ARTHUR WILLIAM SYMONS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE FLAG, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I lay a tattered flag before your feet
Last Line: Choosing defeat: do with it as you will.
Subject(s): Victory


I lay a tattered flag before your feet
In sign of conquest. Conquerors are proud
Of a rent flag: each mouth that cries aloud
Cries of a battle now twice won; defeat
Gives up the right to every victory.
It is my life: I bring it torn and stained
Out of the battles I have lost and gained;
Once captured, won back from the enemy
At a great loss; yet, here I hold it still,
My own, to render up as now I do;
I render it up joyfully to you,
Choosing defeat: do with it as you will.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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