'Tis time this heart should be unmoved, Since others it hath ceased to move: Yet, though I cannot be beloved, Still let me love! . My days are in the yellow leaf; The flowers and fruits of love are gone; The worm, the canker, and the grief Are mine alone! . The fire that on my bosom preys Is lone as some volcanic isle; No torch is kindled at its blaze -- A funeral pile. . The hope, the fear, the jealous care, The exalted portion of the pain And power of love, I cannot share, But wear the chain. . But 'tis not thus -- and 'tis not here -- Such thoughts should shake my soul, nor now Where glory decks the hero's bier, Or binds his brow. . The sword, the banner, and the field, Glory and Greece, about us see; The Spartan, borne upon his shield, Was not more free. . Awake! (not Greece -- she is awake!) Awake, my spirit! Think through whom Thy life-blood tastes its parent lake, And then strike home! . Tread those reviving passions down, Unworthy manhood! unto thee Indifferent should the smile or frown Of beauty be. . If thou regrett'st thy youth, why live? The land of honourable death Is here: -- up to the field, and give Away thy breath! . Seek out -- less often sought than found -- A soldier's grave, for thee the best; Then look around, and choose thy ground, And take thy rest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MIDSUMMER BIRDS by ROBERT FROST A POEM FROM BOULDER RIDGE by JAMES GALVIN PRELUDE TO A FAIRY TALE by EDITH SITWELL JANUARY by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS THE COASTERS by THOMAS FLEMING DAY SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: SETH COMPTON by EDGAR LEE MASTERS SONNETS TO LAURA IN LIFE: 156 by PETRARCH |