Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DEATH SONG by ANONYMOUS

First Line: UNDER THE CENTRE OF THE SKY
Last Line: TO LIE ON THE BATTLEFIELD / OVER THE ENEMY'S LINE

Under the centre of the sky,
I utter my baim wa wa.

Every day, thou star!
I gaze at you.

The half of the day
I abide -- gazing
Ye warlike birds.

They fly round the circuit of the sky.
The birds -- circling
Round half the circuit of the sky.
They cross the enemy's line
The birds.

The high gods
My praise
They sound.

Full happy -- I
To lie on the battle-field
Over the enemy's line.




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