Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DEBT UNPAYABLE by FRANCIS WILLIAM BOURDILLON

First Line: WHAT HAVE I GIVEN
Last Line: (GOD GRANT!) ALL WEEDS IN OURS.
Subject(s): ARMY - UNITED STATES; DEATH; HONOR; NAVY - UNITED STATES; SACRIFICES; SOLDIERS; WAR - HOME FRONT; WORLD WAR I - CASUALTIES; DEAD, THE; AMERICAN NAVY;
What have I given,
Bold sailor on the sea,
In earth or heaven
That you should die for me?

What can I give
O soldier, leal and brave,
Long as I live
To pay the life you gave?

What tithe or part
Can I return to thee,
O stricken heart,
That thou should'st break for me?

The wind of Death
For you has slain life's flowers,
It withereth
(God grant!) all weeds in ours.



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