Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ARMISTICE DAY by HENRIETTE CLARKE

First Line: THE OLD TOWN CLOCK HAS STRUCK ELEVEN
Last Line: MURMUR THE NAME OF YOU.
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; MEMORY; PRAYER; VETERANS DAY;

The old town clock has struck eleven
And as its echo dies,
The traffic stops, and business halts,
As countless prayers arise.
A window-cleaner with hand upraised
Seems to have turned to stone,
And each recalls a different face
And prays for one alone.
The little children lightly think
Of days they never knew,
While I, with heart that still can break
Murmur the name of you.



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