Classic and Contemporary Poetry
GENERAL LEW WALLACE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Nay, death, thou mightiest of all Last Line: Above the pagan throne. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Autumn; Death; Flags; Seasons; Fall; Dead, The | ||||||||
FEBRUARY 15, 1905 NAY, Death, thou mightiest of all Dread conquerors -- thou dreadest chief, -- Thy heavy hand can here but fall Light as the Autumn leaf: As vainly, too, its weight is laid Upon the warrior's knightly sword; -- Still through the charge and cannonade It flashes for the Lord. In forum -- as in battle-field -- His voice rang for the truth -- the right -- Keyed with the shibboleth that pealed His Soul forth to the fight: The inspiration of his pen Glowed as a star, and lit anew The faces and the hearts of men Watching, the long night through. A destiny ordained -- divine It seemed to hosts of those who saw His rise since youth and marked the line Of his ascent with awe: -- From the now-storied little town That gave him birth and worth, behold, Unto this day of his renown, His sword and word of gold. Serving the Land he loved so well -- Hailed midsea or in foreign port, Or in strange-bannered citadel Or Oriental Court, -- He -- honored for his Nation's sake, And loved and honored for his own -- Hath seen his Flag in glory shake Above the Pagan Throne. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND A BOY'S MOTHER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |
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