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Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Searching... Author: sassoon, siegfried Matches Found: 187 Sassoon, Siegfried Poet's Biography 187 poems available by this author A CHILD'S PRAYER Poem Text First Line: For morn, my dome of blue Last Line: And guard my innocence for evermore. Subject(s): Prayer; Soldiers' Writings A LETTER HOME (TO ROBERT GRAVES) Poem Text First Line: Here I'm sitting in the gloom Last Line: While we know such dreams are true! Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War A MYSTIC AS SOLDIER Poem Text First Line: I lived my days apart Last Line: When will you sound again? Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War A POPLAR AND THE MOON Poem Text First Line: There stood a poplar, tall and straight Last Line: The stars and lilies I could see. Subject(s): Nature; Soldiers' Writings A SUBALTERN Poem Text First Line: He turned to me with his kind, sleepy gaze Last Line: Wondering 'why he always talked such tripe'. Subject(s): Soldiers; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War A WANDERER Poem Text First Line: When watkin shifts the burden of his cares Last Line: Up the green world he wanders like a king. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings A WHISPERED TALE Poem Text First Line: I'd heard fool heroes brag of where they'd been Last Line: Sour jokes for all those horrors left behind. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War A WORKING PARTY Poem Text First Line: Three hours ago he blundered up the trench Last Line: His startled life with lead, and all went out. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War ABSOLUTION Poem Text First Line: The anguish of the earth absolves our eyes Last Line: What need we more, my comrades and my brothers? Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War AFTERMATH Poem Text Recitation First Line: Have you forgotten yet? Last Line: Never forget. Subject(s): Veterans Day; World War I; First World War ALL SOULS' DAY First Line: Close-wrapped in living thought I stand Subject(s): All Souls' Day ALONE Poem Text First Line: I've listened: and all the sounds I heard Last Line: I've thought!' -- and darkness hides my day. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings AN OLD FRENCH POET Poem Text First Line: When in your sober mood my body have ye laid Last Line: Or wheresoever, following death, my feet have strayed. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Soldiers' Writings ANCESTORS Poem Text First Line: Behold these jewelled, merchant ancestors Last Line: Put forth, and fade across the whispering sea. Subject(s): Ancestry & Ancestors; Soldiers' Writings ANCIENT HISTORY Poem Text First Line: Adam, a brown old vulture in the rain Last Line: The gaunt wild man whose lovely sons were dead. Subject(s): Abel; Adam & Eve; Bible; Cain; Religion; Soldiers; Theology ARCADY UNHEEDING Poem Text First Line: Shepherds go whistling on their way Last Line: Nor blossoms red and white on every tree. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings ARMS AND THE MAN Poem Text First Line: Young croesus went to pay his call Last Line: Will captain croesus come this way?' Subject(s): Soldiers; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War AT CARNOY Poem Text First Line: Down in the hollow there's the whole brigade Last Line: To take some cursed wood ... O world god made! Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War AT DAYBREAK Poem Text First Line: I listen for him through the rain Last Line: Abides with me until to-morrow. Subject(s): Gays & Lesbians; Soldiers' Writings AT THE GRAVE OF HENRY VAUGHAN First Line: Above the voiceful windings of a river Last Line: Shine. And this lowly grave tells heaven's tranquility. %andhere stand I, a suppliant at the door Subject(s): Vaughan, Henry (1621-1695) ATTACK Poem Text First Line: At dawn the ridge emerges massed and dun Last Line: Flounders in mud. O jesus, make it stop! Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War AUTUMN Poem Text First Line: October's bellowing anger breaks and cleaves Last Line: The burden of your wrongs is on my head. Subject(s): Autumn; Seasons; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Fall; First World War BANISHMENT Poem Text First Line: I am banished from the patient men who fight Last Line: And in their tortured eyes I stand forgiven. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War BASE DETAILS Poem Text Recitation First Line: If I were fierce, and bald, and short of breath Last Line: I'd toddle safely home and die -- in bed. Subject(s): Hypocrisy; Soldiers' Writings; Villains In Literature; World War I; First World War BATTALION-RELIEF Poem Text First Line: Fall in! Now get a move on!' (curse the rain) Last Line: And tell me, have we won this war or not?' Subject(s): World War I; First World War BEFORE DAY Poem Text First Line: Come in this hour to set my spirit free Last Line: Hungered for what my heart shall never say. Subject(s): Religion; Soldiers' Writings; Theology BEFORE THE BATTLE Poem Text First Line: Music of whispering trees Last Line: O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War BLIGHTERS Poem Text First Line: The house is crammed: tier upon tier they grin Last Line: To mock the riddled corpses round bapaume. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War BLIND Poem Text First Line: His headstrong thoughts that once in anger strife Last Line: Gropes with his staff along the rumbling city. Subject(s): Blindness; Soldiers' Writings; Visually Handicapped BLUNDEN'S BEECH First Line: I named it blunden's beech; and no one knew Last Line: To summer's idyll an unheeded grace Subject(s): Environment; Trees BREAK OF DAY Poem Text First Line: There seemed a smell of autumn in the air Last Line: Hark! There's the horn: they're drawing the big wood. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War BREVITIES First Line: I am that man who with a luminous look BUTTERFLIES Poem Text First Line: Frail travellers, deftly flickering over the flowers Last Line: To know but this, the phantom glare of day. Subject(s): Butterflies; Insects; Bugs CASE FOR THE MINERS First Line: Something goes wrong with my synthetic brain Last Line: To see them hawking matches in the gutter Subject(s): Freedom; Labor And Laborers CHILD AT THE WINDOW First Line: Remember this, when childhood's far away Last Line: When your own child looks down and makes your sad heart sing Subject(s): Time CLEANING THE CANDELA First Line: While cleaning my old six-branched candelabrum COMPANIONS Poem Text First Line: Leave not your bough, my slender song bird sweet Last Line: Then both took wing, and the sun stepped forth in glory. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings CONCERT PARTY (EGYPTIAN BASE CAMP) Poem Text First Line: They are gathering around Last Line: Silent, they drift away, over the glimmering sand. Subject(s): Egypt; World War I; First World War CONSCRIPTS Poem Text First Line: Fall in, that awdward squad, and strike no more Last Line: And marched resplendent home with crowns and stars. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War COUNTER-ATTACK Poem Text Recitation First Line: We'd gained our first objective hours before Last Line: Bleeding to death. The counter-attack had failed. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War CREDO First Line: The heaven for which I wait Subject(s): Religion DAVID CLEEK Poem Text First Line: I cannot think that death will press his claim Last Line: To everlasting golf consigns your soul. Subject(s): Golf; Soldiers' Writings; Sports DAYBREAK IN A GARDEN Poem Text First Line: I heard the farm cocks crowing, loud, and faint, and thin Last Line: And touched the nodding peony-flowers to bid them waken. Subject(s): Morning; Soldiers' Writings DEAD MUSICIANS Poem Text First Line: From you, beethoven, bach, mozart Last Line: They're dead ... For god's sake stop that gramophone. Subject(s): Germany; Music & Musicians; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Germans; First World War DECEMBER STILLNESS First Line: December stillness, teach me through your trees Last Line: Teach me to travel far and bear my loads DEVOTION TO DUTY Poem Text First Line: I was near the king that day. I saw him snatch Last Line: This wife how her heroic husband fell.' Subject(s): World War I; First World War DIED OF WOUNDS Poem Text First Line: His wet white face and miserable eyes Last Line: And some slight wound lay smiling on the bed. Subject(s): Mourning; Soldiers; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Bereavement; First World War DOES IT MATTER - LOSING YOUR LEGS? DOES IT MATTER? - LOSING YOUR LEGS? Last Line: For they'll know that you've fought for your country %and no one will worry a bit Subject(s): World War I DREAM-FOREST Poem Text First Line: Where sunshine flecks the green Last Line: The tangled thickets lonely. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings DREAMERS Poem Text First Line: Soldiers are citizens of death's grey land Last Line: And going to the office in the train. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War DRYADS Poem Text First Line: When meadows are grey with the morn Last Line: Whisper, and hide, and are still. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings EARLY CHRONOLOGY Poem Text First Line: Slowly the daylight left our listening faces Last Line: I thought she had a pre-dynastic look. Subject(s): Archeology; Teaching & Teachers EDITORIAL IMPRESSIONS Poem Text First Line: He seemed so certain 'all was going well' Last Line: Ah, yes, but it's the press that leads the way!' Subject(s): Newspapers; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Journalism; Journalists; First World War ELEGY; TO ROBERT ROSS Poem Text First Line: Your dextrous wit will haunt us long Last Line: O heart of hearts! ... O friend of friends! Subject(s): Death; Dead, The ENEMIES Poem Text First Line: He stood alone in some queer sunless place Last Line: Because his face could make them understand. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War EULOGY OF MY HOUSE First Line: House, though you've harboured grave-yards full of lives EVERYONE SANG Poem Text First Line: Everyone suddenly burst out singing Last Line: Was a bird; and the song was wordless; the singing will never be done. Subject(s): Holidays; Life Change Events; Veterans Day; War; World War I; First World War FALLING ASLEEP Poem Text First Line: Voices moving about in the quiet house Last Line: I've known; all fading past me into peace. Subject(s): Sleep FANCY DRESS Poem Text First Line: Some brave, awake in you to-night Last Line: In heavens where tomahawks are barred. FANTASIA ON A WITTELSBACH ATMOSPHERE First Line: Drab drugget paths protect these polished floors Last Line: Take them for what they were, they weren't so bad' FIGHT TO A FINISH Poem Text First Line: The boys came back. Bands played and flags were flying Last Line: To clear those junkers out of parliament. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War FRANCE Poem Text First Line: She triumphs, in the vivid green Last Line: Voices of victory and delight. Subject(s): France; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War GLORIA MUNDI First Line: Who needs words in autumn woods GLORY OF WOMEN Poem Text Recitation First Line: You love us when we're heroes, home on leave Last Line: His face is trodden deeper in the mud. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; Women; World War I; First World War GOBLIN REVEL Poem Text First Line: In gold and grey, with fleering looks of sin Last Line: That sinks beyond the marshes loud with frogs. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings GOLGOTHA Poem Text First Line: Through darkness curves a spume of falling flares Last Line: But the brown rats, the nimble scavengers. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War GRANDEUR OF GHOSTS First Line: When I have heard small talk about great men Subject(s): Poetry And Poets HAUNTED Poem Text First Line: Evening was in the wood, louring with storm Last Line: And at his heart the strangling clasp of death. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings HEART'S JOURNEY, SELS. First Line: What is stonehenge? It is the roofless past Subject(s): England; Stonehenge HEART'S JOURNEY: 1 First Line: As I was walking in the gardens where Subject(s): Gardens And Gardening HEART'S JOURNEY: 34 First Line: A flower has opened in my heart HEART'S JOURNEY: 4 First Line: What you are I cannot say Last Line: Chime on chime from bell on bell %in the cloisters of my heart Subject(s): Desire; Love HOW TO DIE Poem Text First Line: Dark clouds are smouldering into red Last Line: With due regard for decent taste. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War HUMAN HISTORIES First Line: The multitudinous dead, like books unread Subject(s): Death I STOOD WITH THE DEAD Poem Text First Line: I stood with the dead, so forsaken and still Last Line: Fall in!' I shouted; 'fall in for your pay!' Subject(s): Army Life; World War I; Drills & Minor Tactics; First World War IDYLL Poem Text First Line: In the grey summer garden I shall find you Last Line: Joy in the world, and peace, and dawn's one star. IN BARRACKS Poem Text First Line: The barrack-square, washed clean with rain Last Line: Another night; another day.' Subject(s): Army Life; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Drills & Minor Tactics; First World War IN ME, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE MEET Last Line: Since there your elements assemble IN THE PINK' Poem Text First Line: So davies wrote: 'this leaves me in the pink' Last Line: And still the war goes on -- he don't know why. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War INVOCATION Poem Text First Line: Come down from heaven to meet me when my breath Last Line: And stillness from the pools of paradise. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War JOY-BELLS Poem Text First Line: Ring your sweet bells; but let them be farewells Last Line: Shoulder to shoulder with the motor-bus. Subject(s): Bells; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War LAMENTATIONS Poem Text First Line: I found him in the guard-room at the base Last Line: Such men have lost all patriotic feeling. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; War; World War I; First World War LAST JUDGMENT First Line: He heard an angel say now look for love and look LIMITATIONS Poem Text First Line: If you could crowd them into forty lines Last Line: And there'll be forty lines not yet begun. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets MAKE THEM FORGET First Line: I saw the prince of darkness, with his staff Subject(s): Religion MARTYRDOMS First Line: Since thought is life, god's martyrdoms were good MEMORIAL TABLET (GREAT WAR, 1918) Poem Text First Line: Squire nagged and bullied till I went to fight Last Line: What greater glory could a man desire? Subject(s): Mourning; World War I; Bereavement; First World War MEMORY Poem Text First Line: When I was young my heart and head were light Last Line: And silence; and the faces of my friends. Subject(s): Nature; World War I; First World War METAMORPHOSIS First Line: Sandys sat translating ovid. Both his hands Last Line: Not nature preying on itself, but time %revealed by rich humanity in rhyme MIDDLE-AGES Poem Text First Line: I heard a clash, and a cry Last Line: And the moon sank red. MIRACLES Poem Text First Line: I dreamt I saw a huge grey boat in silence streaming Last Line: And when I woke I wondered where on earth I'd been. Subject(s): Dreams; Nightmares MONODY ON THE DEMOLITION OF DEVONSHIRE HOUSE First Line: Strolling one afternoon along a street MORNING EXPRESS Poem Text First Line: Along the windswept platform, pinched and white Last Line: Who sped them stand to wave a last farewell. Subject(s): Railroads; Soldiers' Writings; Railways; Trains MORNING GLORY Poem Text First Line: In this meadow starred with spring Last Line: Sleeps below the crimson thorn. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings MORNING-LAND Poem Text First Line: Old english songs, you bring to me Last Line: Clattering about the dairy floor. Subject(s): Morning; Soldiers' Writings MUSICAL CRITIC ANTICIPATES ETERNITY First Line: If someone, something, somehow (as man dreams) - Subject(s): Music Criticism And Critics NIGHT ATTACK First Line: The rank stench of those bodies haunts me still Last Line: As when he crumpled up; his sturdy legs %were bent beneath his trunk; heels to the sky NIGHT ON THE CONVOY, ALEXANDRIA - MARSEILLES Poem Text First Line: Out in the blustering darkness, on the deck Last Line: We are going home ... Victims ... Three thousand souls. Subject(s): Homecoming; Navy - Great Britain; World War I; English Navy; First World War NIGHT-PIECE Poem Text First Line: Ye hooded witches, baleful shapes that moan Last Line: Stirs to the voice of everlasting sleep. Subject(s): Night; Soldiers' Writings; Bedtime NIMROD IN SEPTEMBER Poem Text First Line: When half the drowsy world's a-bed Last Line: Huge clamour in the sultry brakes. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings NOAH Poem Text First Line: When old noah stared across the floods Last Line: Earth was saved; and noah danced a jig. Subject(s): Noah (bible); Soldiers' Writings OCTOBER Poem Text First Line: Across the land a faint blue veil of mist Last Line: Whereof ye nevermore shall be possessed. Subject(s): October; Soldiers' Writings ON PASSING THE NEW MENIN GATE Poem Text Recitation First Line: Who will remember, passing through this gate Last Line: Rise and deride this sepulchre of crime. Subject(s): World War I; First World War ON READING THE WAR DIARY OF A DEFUNCT AMBASSADOR Poem Text First Line: So that's your diary - that's your private mind Last Line: That once kept europe safe for perpetuity. Subject(s): Diaries; Diplomacy And Diplomats; Freedom; Peace; Veterans Day; Liberty ON SCRATCHBURY CAMP First Line: Along the grave green downs, this idle afternoon PARTED Poem Text First Line: Sleepless I listen to the surge and drone Last Line: For when I find in you my love's release. Subject(s): Absence; Love; Separation; Isolation PHOENIX First Line: Some say the phoenix dwells in aethiopia PICTURE-SHOW Poem Text First Line: And still they come and go: and this is all I know Last Line: And life is just the picture dancing on a screen. Subject(s): Life POETRY First Line: An image-dance of change POST-MORTEM First Line: Searching for souvenirs among some rubble Last Line: Then, in a kindlier afterthought's release, %he pitied 'themthat only asked for peace.' POWER AND THE GLORY First Line: Let there be life, said god. And what he wrought Last Line: Dare mock my glorious angel where he stands %to fill my dark with fire, my heart with faith? Subject(s): Religion PRAYER TO TIME First Line: Time, that anticipates et ernities PRELUDE TO AN UNWRITTEN MASTERPIECE Poem Text First Line: You like my bird sung gardens: wings and flowers Last Line: Why can't you cut it short, you pompous blighter?' PREMONITION First Line: A gas-proof ghost, I climbed the stair RECONCILIATION Poem Text First Line: When you are standing at your hero's grave Last Line: The mothers of the men who killed your son. Subject(s): Mothers; World War I; First World War REMORSE Poem Text First Line: Lost in the swamp and welter of the pit Last Line: Of dying heroes and their deathless deeds.' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War REPRESSION OF WAR EXPERIENCE Poem Text First Line: Now light the candles; one; two; there's a moth Last Line: I'm going stark, staring mad because of the guns. Subject(s): Science; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Scientists; First World War SECRET MUSIC Poem Text First Line: I keep such music in my brain Last Line: And music dawned above despair. Subject(s): Music & Musicians; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War SHELDONIAN SOLILOQUY First Line: My music-loving self this afternoon Subject(s): Music And Musicians SICK LEAVE Poem Text First Line: When I'm asleep, dreaming and lulled and warm Last Line: Are they not still your brothers through our blood?' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War SLUMBER SONG Poem Text First Line: Sleep; and my song shall build about your bed Last Line: And roses in the darkness; and my love. Subject(s): Sleep SONG-BOOKS OF THE WAR Poem Text First Line: In fifty years, when peace outshines Last Line: And lived in time to share the fun. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War SOUTH WIND Poem Text First Line: Where have you been, south wind, this may-day morning Last Line: When you stole to me shyly with scent of hawthorn. Subject(s): Environment; Soldiers' Writings; Trees; Wind; Environmental Protection; Ecology; Conservation SPORTING ACQUAINTANCES First Line: I watched old squatting chimpanzee: he traced Last Line: We backed the tetrarch and got drunk together STAND-TO: GOOD FRIDAY MORNING Poem Text First Line: I'd been on duty from two till four Last Line: And get my bloody old sins washed white! Subject(s): Army Life; Good Friday; Holidays; Holy Week; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Drills & Minor Tactics; First World War STORM AND SUNLIGHT Poem Text First Line: In barns we crouch, and under stacks of straw Last Line: And share his benediction with the flowers. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings STORM ON FIFTH AVENUE Poem Text First Line: A sallow waiter brings me six huge oysters Last Line: O babylon! O carthage! O new york! Subject(s): New York City; Manhattan; New York, New York; The Big Apple STRETCHER CASE Poem Text First Line: He woke; the clank and racket of the train Last Line: Lung tonic, mustard, liver pills and beer. Variant Title(s): Blighty Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War SUICIDE IN THE TRENCHES Poem Text First Line: I knew a simple soldier boy Last Line: The hell where youth and laughter go. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War SURVIVORS Poem Text First Line: No doubt they'll soon get well; the shock and strain Last Line: Children, with eyes that hate you, broken and mad. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE CHORAL UNION Poem Text First Line: He staggered in from night and frost and fog Last Line: He wondered when lord god would turn him out. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE DARK HOUSE Poem Text First Line: Dusk in the rain-soaked garden Last Line: Of the passion-plighted man. THE DEATH-BED Poem Text Recitation First Line: He drowsed and was aware of silence heaped Last Line: Then, far away, the thudding of the guns. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE DRAGON AND THE UNDYING Poem Text First Line: All night the flares go up; the dragon sings Last Line: To hail the burning heavens they left unsung. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE DREAM Poem Text First Line: Moonlight and dew-drenched blossom, and the scent Last Line: To the foul beast of war that bludgeons life. Subject(s): Science; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Scientists; First World War THE DUG-OUT Poem Text First Line: Why do you lie with your legs ungainly huddled Last Line: And when you sleep you remind me of the dead. Subject(s): World War I; First World War THE EFFECT Poem Text First Line: He'd never seen so many dead before Last Line: Who'll buy my nice fresh corpses, two a penny?' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE FATHERS Poem Text First Line: Snug at the club two fathers sat Last Line: These impotent old friends of mine. Subject(s): Fathers & Sons; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE GENERAL Poem Text First Line: Good-morning: good-morning!' the general said Last Line: But he did for them both by his plan of attack. Subject(s): Generals; Hate; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE GOLDSMITH Poem Text First Line: This job's the best I've done. He bent his head Last Line: A girl was selling flowers along the street. Subject(s): Crete; Gold THE HAWTHORN TREE Poem Text First Line: Not much to me is yonder lane Last Line: Until I've heard he's dead. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE HEART'S JOURNEY: 3 Poem Text First Line: When I'm alone' - the words tripped off his tongue Last Line: And all but inmost faith is overthrown. Subject(s): Solitude; Loneliness THE HEART'S JOURNEY: 5 Poem Text First Line: You were glad tonight: and now you've gone away Last Line: Recall you to these arms that were your home. Variant Title(s): Lovers Subject(s): Absence; Love; Separation; Isolation THE HERITAGE Poem Text First Line: Cry out on time that he may take away Last Line: Not we, but others, hear the bird that sings. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings THE HERO Poem Text First Line: Jack fell as he'd have wished,' the mother said Last Line: Except that lonely woman with white hair. Subject(s): Mothers; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE IMPERFECT LOVER Poem Text First Line: I never asked you to be perfect, did I? Last Line: Unvanquished in my atmosphere of devils. Subject(s): Love - Complaints THE INVESTITURE Poem Text First Line: God with a roll of honour in his hand Last Line: You roam forlorn along the streets of gold. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE KISS Poem Text First Line: To these I turn, in these I trust Last Line: Quail from your downward darting kiss. Subject(s): Kisses; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE LAST MEETING Poem Text First Line: Because the night was falling warm and still Last Line: And youth, that dying, touched my lips to song. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE ONE-LEGGED MAN Poem Text First Line: Propped up on a stick he viewed the august weald Last Line: And thought: 'thank god they had to amputate!' Subject(s): Amputees; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE REAR-GUARD Poem Text Recitation First Line: Groping along the tunnel, step by step Last Line: Unloading hell behind him step by step. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE REDEEMER Poem Text First Line: Darkness: the rain sluiced down; the mire was deep Last Line: Mumbling: 'o christ almighty, now I'm stuck!' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE ROAD Poem Text First Line: The road is thronged with women: soldiers pass Last Line: The road would serve you well enough for bed. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THE TOMBSTONE-MAKER Poem Text First Line: He primmed his loose red mouth and leaned his head Last Line: O sir, that christian souls should come to that!' Subject(s): Graves; Mourning; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Tombs; Tombstones; Bereavement; First World War THE TROOPS Poem Text First Line: Dim, gradual thinning of the shapeless gloom Last Line: The legions who have suffered and are dust. Variant Title(s): Prelude: The Troops Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War THEIR FRAILTY Poem Text First Line: He's got a blighty wound. He's safe; and then Last Line: So long as he's all right. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings THEY' Poem Text First Line: The bishop tells us: 'when the boys come back' Last Line: And the bishop said: 'the ways of god are strange!' Subject(s): Religion; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Theology; First World War THRUSHES Poem Text First Line: Tossed on the glittering air they soar and skim Last Line: And storms the gate of nothingness for proof. Subject(s): Birds; Soldiers' Writings; Thrushes; World War I; First World War TO A CHILDLESS WOMAN Poem Text First Line: You think I cannot understand. Ah, but I do Last Line: And you must pray for me before you fall asleep. Subject(s): Childlessness TO A VERY WISE MAN Poem Text First Line: Fires in the dark you build; tall quivering flames Last Line: You soar ... Is death so bad? ... I wish you'd say. TO AN OLD LADY DEAD First Line: Old lady, when last year I sipped your tea TO ANY DEAD OFFICER Poem Text First Line: Well, how are things in heaven? I wish you'd say Last Line: I wish they'd killed you in a decent show. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TO HIS DEAD BODY Poem Text First Line: When roaring gloom surged inward and you cried Last Line: Dear, red-faced father god who lit your mind. Subject(s): Death; Mourning; Soldiers' Writings; World War I; Dead, The; Bereavement; First World War TO LEONIDE MASSINE IN 'CLEOPATRA' Poem Text First Line: O beauty doomed and perfect for an hour Last Line: Be still; you have drained the cup; you have played your part. Subject(s): Ballet; Dancing & Dancers; Massine, Leonide (1896-1979); World War I; First World War TO MY BROTHER Poem Text First Line: Give me your hand, my brother, search my face Last Line: And through your victory I shall win the light. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TO MY SON First Line: Go, and be happy Last Line: Possess your soul; that you alone can save Subject(s): Life Change Events TO VICTORY Poem Text First Line: Return to greet me, colours that were my joy Last Line: When the blithe wind laughs on the hills with uplifted voice. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TO-DAY Poem Text First Line: This is to-day, a child in white and blue Last Line: May thrill the lonely silences with song. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings TOGETHER Poem Text First Line: Splashing along the boggy woods all day Last Line: But at the stable-door he'll say good-night. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TREE AND SKY Poem Text First Line: Let my soul, a shining tree Last Line: On shafts of glory to the ecstasies they know. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings TRENCH DUTY Poem Text First Line: Shaken from sleep, and numbed and scarce awake Last Line: Blank stars. I'm wide-awake; and some chap's dead. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TWELVE MONTHS AFTER Poem Text First Line: Hullo! Here's my platoon, the lot I had last year Last Line: That's where they are to-day, knocked over to a man. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TWO HUNDRED YEARS AFTER Poem Text First Line: Trudging by corbie ridge one winter's night Last Line: Who came to fight in france and got their fill.' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War TWO OLD LADIES First Line: Here's an old lady, almost ninety-one Last Line: Out to the lily-pond to feed the fish VIGILS First Line: Lone heart, learning Last Line: Peace, remote in the morning star VILLA D'ESTE GARDENS First Line: Writes one of my italianistic friends Subject(s): Travel VILLON Poem Text First Line: They threw me from the gates: my matted hair Last Line: He hath put by as though they had not been. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; Villon, Francois (1431-1463) VISION Poem Text First Line: I love all things that pass: their briefness is Last Line: O beauty, born of lovely things that die!' Subject(s): Transience; Impermanence WHAT THE CAPTAIN SAID AT THE POINT-TO-POINT Poem Text First Line: I've had a good bump round, my little horse Last Line: And anyhow I've had a good bump round. Subject(s): Animals; Horses WHEN I'M ALONE' - THE WORDS TRIPPED OFF HIS TONGUE First Line: I thought of age, and loneliness, and change Last Line: It is the stillness where our spirits walk %and all but inmost faith is overthrown WHEN I'M AMONG A BLAZE OF LIGHTS WIND IN THE BEECHWOOD Poem Text First Line: The glorying forest shakes and swings with glancing Last Line: Moves with the chant and whisper of the glade. Subject(s): Forests; Soldiers' Writings; Wind; Woods WIRERS Poem Text First Line: Pass it along, the wiring party's going out Last Line: But we can say the front-line wire's been safely mended. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War WISDOM Poem Text First Line: When wisdom tells me that the world's a speck Last Line: Alone with upward song, alone with light!' Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings WONDERMENT Poem Text First Line: Then a wind blew Last Line: To light the ways they went. Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings WRAITHS Poem Text First Line: They know not the green leaves Last Line: Gropes on the shutter'd pane!) |
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