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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ON A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL, by JOHN GALSWORTHY Poet's Biography
First Line: No pipes have skirled
Last Line: The footfalls die.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sinjohn, John
Subject(s): Funerals; Soldiers; Burials
First Line: No pipes have skirled
Last Line: The footfalls die.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sinjohn, John
Subject(s): Funerals; Soldiers; Burials
NO pipes have skirled;
But heaven's wildest music blares;
Above the compound lightning flares,
The rain is whirled.
No drums shall roll --
Only a private soldier gone!
The cold light paints no funeral stone --
No bell need toll!
He lived his tame
And little day of silent tasks
And silent duty -- no one asks
To know his name.
The milestones fade
Along the road that he has come.
No cheer of music takes him home --
His wage is paid.
The wind shrills high;
The darkened day is chasing grief
With lash of blinding rain -- and brief
The footfalls die.
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