IT whizzed and whistled along the blurred And red-blent ranks; and it nicked the star Of an epaulette, as it snarled the word -- War! On it sped -- and the lifted wrist Of the ensign-bearer stung, and straight Dropped at his side as the word was hissed -- Hate! On went the missile -- smoothed the blue Of a jaunty cap and the curls thereof, Cooing, soft as a dove might do -- Love! Sang! -- sang on! -- sang hate -- sang war -- Sang love, in sooth, till it needs must cease, Hushed in the heart it was questing for. -- Peace! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 4. REVEILLE by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN THE DAY IS DONE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW ISAAC AND ARCHIBALD by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON MOONRISE AT SEA by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH FINDING CYNTHIA IN PAIN, AND CRYING; A SONNET by PHILIP AYRES THE LILY OF THE VALLEY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |