Poem by Alfred Edward Housman

Last Poems. 29. Wake Not for the World-Heard Thunder

Wake not for the world-heard thunder
        Not the chime that earthquakes toll.
Star may plot in heaven with planet,
Lightning rive the rock of granite,
Tempest tread the oakwood under:
        Fear you not for flesh nor soul.
Marching, fighting, victory past,
Stretch your limbs in peace at last.

Stir not for the soldiers drilling
        Nor the fever nothing cures:
Throb of drum and timbal’s rattle
Call but man alive to battle,
And the fife with death-notes filling
        Screams for blood but not for yours.
Times enough you bled your best;
Sleep on now, and take your rest.

Sleep, my lad; the French are landed,
        London’s burning, Windsor’s down;
Clasp your cloak of earth about you,
We must man the ditch without you,
March unled and fight short-handed,
        Charge to fall and swim to drown.
Duty, friendship, bravery o’er,
Sleep away, lad; wake no more.

1. More Poems. 9. When Green Buds Hang in the Elm Like Dust
2. Additional Poems. 13. Oh Turn not in from Marching
3. More Poems. 11. The Rainy Pleiads Wester
4. Additional Poems. 4. It Is No Gift I Tender
5. More Poems. 24. Stone, Steel, Dominions Pass

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