Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DEBT UNPAYABLE, by FRANCIS WILLIAM BOURDILLON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DEBT UNPAYABLE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What have I given
Last Line: (god grant!) all weeds in ours.
Subject(s): Army - United States; Death; Honor; Navy - United States; Sacrifices; Soldiers; War - Home Front; World War I - Casualties; Dead, The; American Navy


What have I given,
Bold sailor on the sea,
In earth or heaven
That you should die for me?

What can I give
O soldier, leal and brave,
Long as I live
To pay the life you gave?

What tithe or part
Can I return to thee,
O stricken heart,
That thou should'st break for me?

The wind of Death
For you has slain life's flowers,
It withereth
(God grant!) all weeds in ours.





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