These hearts have loved

Armistice Day - and the centenary, of the formal end, of the First World War - thus here is Rupert Brooke's famous poem, "The Dead", as taken from the pictured 1965 collection ...

... it's a poem which really speaks to the very human cost of all war:


The Dead

These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
      Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth.
The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,
      And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
      Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
      Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.

There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,
      Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white
      Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night.

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Rupert Brooke (1887 - 1915)

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