The Soldier
Modern poetry modern verse contemporary poetry contemporary verse modern poem contemporary poem
In Skyros’ grove of olives, olive leaves
Are brought to death by being torn from trees.
The party carries him in death and grieves
To lay his lauded body . To appease
The ghosts of poets, olive leaves are laid
To rest beside his oaken coffin (others
Who had set down verse before), and thus arrayed
He comes to rest—there among his brothers.
The men who carry Rupert there have dressed
His naked limbs in English uniform,
The last to see his storied beauty, breast
And arms, the last to see them blond and warm.
Undying, no, not manly beauty there,
