Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BATTLEFIELD, by SYDNEY OSWALD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BATTLEFIELD, by                    
First Line: Around no fire the soldiers sleep tonight
Last Line: To guard from hurt his faithful sleeping friend.
Subject(s): Soldiers' Writings; World War I; First World War


AROUND no fire the soldiers sleep to-night,
But lie a-wearied on the ice-bound field,
With cloaks wrapt round their sleeping forms, to shield
Them from the northern winds. Ere comes the light
Of morn brave men must arm, stern foes to fight.
The sentry stands, his limbs with cold congealed;
His head a-nod with sleep; he cannot yield,
Though sleep and snow in deadly force unite.

Amongst the sleepers lies the Boy awake,
And wide-eyed plans brave glories that transcend
The deeds of heroes dead; then dreams o'ertake
His tired-out brain, and lofty fancies blend
To one grand theme, and through all barriers break
To guard from hurt his faithful sleeping friend.





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