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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CONFLICT, by CECIL DAY LEWIS 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
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.
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