Old Poetry Old Poetry Poetry Poets Essays Forums

The War Sonnets: IV The Dead

These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth.
The years had given them kindness.  Dawn was theirs,
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
Touched flowers and furs and cheeks.  All this is ended.

There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day.  And after,
Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness.  He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night.

Leave a guest comment (subject to review)

: Comment:

Name: (required)
Email: (required, hidden from spam)

Comments


  • December 17, 2003
    Edit | Reply
    This poem is most definately about death, but it is not about dying. Rather, it is almost an elegy for those who have passed away. The poem transitions from morning to evening, which is symbolic of the progression of life. The poem also begins by reminding the living that the dead were once among them, felt and experienced the same things we feel now, but then transitions from nostalgia to a reminder that in time we all will die.


  • April 15, 2002
    Edit | Reply
    personally i don't think this has anything to do with death but i liked the words and content of the poem.