Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FIGHTING SOUTH OF THE CASTLE, by ANONYMOUS First Line: They fought south of the castle Last Line: And at night you did not return Subject(s): China - Early Period (to 200 B.c.);courts & Courtiers;fights;soldiers | ||||||||
THEY fought south of the Castle, They died north of the wall. They died in the moors and were not buried. Their flesh was the food of crows. "Tell the crows we are not afraid; We have died in the moors and cannot be buried. Crows, how can our bodies escape you?" The waters flowed deep And the rushes in the pool were dark. The riders fought and were slain: Their horses wander neighing. By the bridge there was a house. Was it south, was it north? The harvest was never gathered. How can we give you your offerings? You served your Prince faithfully, Though all in vain. I think of you, faithful soldiers; Your service shall not be forgotten. For in the morning you went out to battle And at night you did not return. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ALL ARMIES ARE THE SAME by ERNEST HEMINGWAY ABSENT WITH OFFICIAL LEAVE by RANDALL JARRELL PORT OF EMBARKATION by RANDALL JARRELL THE CONFESSION OF ST. JIM-RALPH by DENIS JOHNSON OPERATION MEMORY by DAVID LEHMAN TIS A LITTLE JOURNEY by ANONYMOUS |
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