To England at the Outbreak of the Balkan War

Alan Seeger 1888 (New York City) – 1916



A cloud has lowered that shall not soon pass o'er.
The world takes sides: whether for impious aims
With Tyranny whose bloody toll enflames
A generous people to heroic war;
Whether with Freedom, stretched in her own gore,
Whose pleading hands and suppliant distress
Still offer hearts that thirst for Righteousness
A glorious cause to strike or perish for.
England, which side is thine? Thou hast had sons
Would shrink not from the choice however grim,
Were Justice trampled on and Courage downed;
Which will they be -- cravens or champions?
Oh, if a doubt intrude, remember him
Whose death made Missolonghi holy ground.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

32 sec read
44

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABBCCDECFGHFGH
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 627
Words 106
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14

Alan Seeger

Alan Seeger was an American poet who fought and died in World War I during the Battle of the Somme serving in the French Foreign Legion. more…

All Alan Seeger poems | Alan Seeger Books

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