Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE HERITAGE by SIEGFRIED SASSOON

Poet Analysis

First Line: CRY OUT ON TIME THAT HE MAY TAKE AWAY
Last Line: NOT WE, BUT OTHERS, HEAR THE BIRD THAT SINGS.
Subject(s): SOLDIERS' WRITINGS;
CRY out on Time that he may take away
Your cold philosophies that give no hint
Of spirit-quickened flesh; fall down and pray
That Death come never with a face of flint:
Death is our heritage; with Life we share
The sunlight that must own his darkening hour:
Within his very presence yet we dare
To gather gladness like a fading flower.

For even as this, our joy not long may live
Perfect; and most in change the heart can trace
The miracle of life and human things:
All we have held to destiny we give;
Dawn glimmers on the soul-forsaken face;
Not we, but others, hear the bird that sings.




Home: PoetryExplorer.net