Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOLDIER, by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS


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THE SOLDIER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Yes. Why do we all, seeing of a soldier, bless him? Bless
Last Line: Were I come o'er again' cries christ 'it should be this'.
Subject(s): War


YES. Why do we all, seeing of a soldier, bless him? bless
Our redcoats, our tars? Both these being, the greater part,
But frail clay, nay but foul clay. Here it is: the heart,
Since, proud, it calls the calling manly, gives a guess
That, hopes that, makesbelieve, the men must be no less;
It fancies, feigns, deems, dears the artist after his art;
And fain will find as sterling all as all is smart,
And scarlet wear the spirit of war there express.

Mark Christ our King. He knows war, served this soldiering through;
He of all can handle a rope best. There he bides in bliss
Now, and seeing somewhere some man do all that man can do,
For love he leans forth, needs his neck must fall on, kiss,
And cry 'O Christ-done deed! So God-made-flesh does too:
Were I come o'er again' cries Christ 'it should be this'.






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