Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FIVE SOULS, by WILLIAM NORMAN EWER Poet's Biography First Line: I was a peasant of the polish plain Last Line: For those who bade me fight had told me so. Alternate Author Name(s): Ewer, W. N. Subject(s): Holidays; Veterans Day; World War I; First World War | ||||||||
FIRST SOUL I was a peasant of the Polish plain; I left my plough because the message ran Russia, in danger, needed every man To save her from the Teuton; and was slain. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. SECOND SOUL I was a Tyrolese, a mountaineer: I gladly left my mountain home to fight Against the brutal, treacherous Muscovite; And died in Poland on a Cossack spear. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. THIRD SOUL I worked in Lyons at my weaver's loom, When suddenly the Prussian despot hurled His felon blow at France and at the world; Then I went forth to Belgium and my doom. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FOURTH SOUL I owned a vineyard by the wooded Main, Until the Fatherland begirt by foes Lusting her downfall, called me, and I rose Swift to the calland died in fair Lorraine. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. FIFTH SOUL I worked in a great shipyard by the Clyde: There came a sudden word of wars declared, Of Belgium peaceful, helpless, unprepared, Asking our aid: I joined the ranks and died. I gave my life for freedomthis I know: For those who bade me fight had told me so. | Other Poems of Interest...D'ANNUNZIO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY 1915: THE TRENCHES by CONRAD AIKEN TO OUR PRESIDENT by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE HORSES by KATHARINE LEE BATES CHILDREN OF THE WAR by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE U-BOAT CREWS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE RED CROSS NURSE by KATHARINE LEE BATES WAR PROFITS by KATHARINE LEE BATES |
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