Sonnet 89 The Glorious Dead

Hearts of oak once pounding beating with joy Waves of emotions of love sorrow mirth Kind generosity did once employ Now lying at rest their sunset the earth In their youth they responded to the call Forsaking everything for a damp trench Going forward in no-man's land they fall The smell of flowers exchanged for Death's stench Once wounded they lay with bodies broken Lying in mud their life but a trickle Silent words that will never be spoken Death walks slowly claims all with his suckle Now glowing with shining peace where they lie Unending glory in their clear blue sky