Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HOSPITAL BARGE AT CERISY by WILFRED OWEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: BUDGING THE SLUGGARD RIPPLES OF THE SOMME
Last Line: KINGS PASSED IN THE DARK BARGE, WHICH MERLIN DREAMED.
Subject(s): HOSPITAL SHIPS; SHIPS & SHIPPING; SOLDIERS' WRITINGS;

Budging the sluggard ripples of the Somme,
A barge round old Cerisy slowly slewed.
Softly her engines down the current screwed
And chuckled in her, with contented hum.

Till fairy tinklings struck their croonings dumb.
The waters rampling at the stern subdued.
The lock-gate took her bulging amplitude.
Gently from out the gurgling lock she swum.

One reading by that sunset raised his eyes
To watch her lessening westward quietly,
Till, as she neared the bend, her funnel screamed.

And that long lamentation made him wise
How unto Avalon, in agony,
Kings passed in the dark barge, which Merlin dreamed.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net