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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CONFLICT, by CECIL DAY LEWIS Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I sang as one Last Line: Between two fires. Alternate Author Name(s): Blake, Nicolas Subject(s): Perseverance | |||
I sang as one Who on a tilting deck sings To keep their courage up, though the wave hangs That shall cut off their sun. As storm-cocks sing, Flinging their natural answer in the wind's teeth, And care not if it is waste of breath Or birth-carol of spring. As ocean-flyer clings To height, to the last drop of spirit driving on While yet ahead is land to be won And work for wings. Singing I was at peace, Above the clouds, outside the ring: For sorrow finds a swift release in song And pride its poise. Yet living here, As one between two massing powers I live Whom neutrality cannot save Nor occupation cheer. None such shall be left alive: The innocent wing is soon shot down, And private stars fade in the blood-red dawn Where two worlds strive. The red advance of life Contracts pride, calls out the common blood, Beats song into a single blade, Makes a depth-charge of grief. Move then with new desires, For where we used to build and love Is no man's land, and only ghosts can live Between two fires. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART by EDWARD FIELD DON'T FRET NOW by SIMON J. ORTIZ MATISSE TOO by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER COMPENSATION by RICHARD ALDINGTON THE DEAD RIDE FAST by RICHARD PALMER BLACKMUR |
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