How sleep the brave, who sink to rest,
By all their country's wishes blest!
When Spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Returns to deck their hallow'd mould,
She there shall dress a sweeter sod
Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.
By fairy hands their knell is rung,
There Honour comes, a pilgrim gray,
To bless the turf that wraps their clay;
And Freedom shall awhile repair,
To dwell, a weeping hermit, there.
~William Collins
God Bless America!
Amanda
Memorial Day Reading:
*Note: Memorial Day is actually on May 30th (more history).
I don't know that an English poet would necessarily endorse the American patriotic (jingoistic?) wish to bless America in particular on this particular holiday, would you?
Also, I don't see the connection between the sentiments expressed in the poem to that well wishing statement.
There is always something sad about Memorial Day or Remembrance Day. Might I add as a book, All Quiet on the Western Front, or as poetry, In Flanders Field?
Posted by: BCSoHappy | June 17, 2008 at 06:27 AM