Saluting the Fallen

I have a rendezvous with Death
At some disputed barricade
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
And apple- blossoms fill the air-
I have a rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

It may be he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark hand
And close my eyes and quench my breath -
It may be I shall pass him still.
I have a rendezvous with Death
On some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round again this years
And the first meadow - flowers appear


God knows 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse , and breath to breath,
Where hushed awakenings are dear..
But I've a rendezvous with Death
At Midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north again this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous .


Alan Seeger 1888-1916
Died on the 4 th day of Battle of The Somme
Aged 28