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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SHADOW OF DEATH by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE'S AN END TO MY ART! / I MUST DIE AND I KNOW IT
Last Line: I MAY FATHER NO LONGER!
Subject(s): WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;

Here's an end to my art!
I must die and I know it,
With battle murder at my heart --
Sad death for a poet!

Oh my songs never sung,
And my plays to darkness blown!
I am still so young, so young,
And life was my own.

Some bad fairy stole
The baby I nursed:
Was this my pretty little soul,
This changeling accursed?

To fight and kill is wrong --
To stay at home wronger:
Oh soul, little play and song,
I may father no longer!



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