Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BEFORE THE BATTLE by SIEGFRIED SASSOON

Poet Analysis

First Line: MUSIC OF WHISPERING TREES
Last Line: O RIVER OF STARS AND SHADOWS, LEAD ME THROUGH THE NIGHT.
Subject(s): SOLDIERS' WRITINGS; WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;
MUSIC of whispering trees
Hushed by a broad-winged breeze
Where shaken water gleams;
And evening radiance falling
With reedy bird-notes calling.
O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams.

I have no need to pray
That fear may pass away;
I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight
That summons me from cool
Silence of marsh and pool
And yellow lilies is landed in light
O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.




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