Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SOLDIERS OF FREEDOM, by KATHARINE LEE BATES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They veiled their souls with laughter Last Line: As lightly as a rose. Subject(s): Patriotism; Wellesley College; World War I; First World War | ||||||||
THEY veiled their souls with laughter And many a mocking pose, These lads who follow after Wherever Freedom goes; These lads we used to censure For levity and ease, On Freedom's high adventure Go shining overseas. Our springing tears adore them, These boys at school and play, Fair-fortuned years before them, Alas! but yesterday; Divine with sudden splendor -- Oh, how our eyes were blind! -- In careless self-surrender They battle for mankind. Soldiers of Freedom! Gleaming And golden they depart, Transfigured by the dreaming Of boyhood's hidden heart. Her lovers they confess them And, rushing on her foes, Toss her their youth -- God bless them! -- As lightly as a rose. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!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 THE UNCHANGEABLE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE FIRST VOYAGE OF JOHN CABOT [1497] by KATHARINE LEE BATES |
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