The Sudden Dead – Wyleian Double Sonnet LXX.
They did not flinch, they did not hide, nor did they shirk the fray.
When echoes of the last shots and the smoke had died away,
they could not rise but, faced toward eternity, they lay
knowing no more of the battle nor who won or lost the day.
They did not cry, they did not scream but fell, in last defiance
as sudden death cut short their stream and severed their alliance.
Their dying dream was not of vain philosophy or science
or, even in extreme, of God who gave them their reliance.
If Death allowed one fading thought, that likely turned to home,
to loved ones who would mourn for them across the distant foam,
whose faces they would never see again; no more to roam
the oft’ familiar woods or wonted pathways in the gloam.
God grant that they died quickly, free of agony or fear.
We know at least they were released from all their worldly care.
We know at least they were released from all their worldly care
now scattered on the battlefield, inert, inglorious there.
Surviving comrades gently take the nametags that they wear
and documents for forwarding to those they held most dear.
Relieved now of their weapons for which they’ve no further need
yet other hands will use them to perform some vengeful deed,
that others’ mothers’ sons, the fruits of other fathers’ seed
may die in retribution as their deaths to more deaths lead.
What persons are accountable for such a senseless waste
who led these young men into war for causes they embraced?
The victors hailed as heroes while the vanquished are disgraced
and, on both sides, so many lives destroyed and hopes misplaced.
Oh, Father of All Mercies! May Thy erring people grow
to tolerate each other more and Thy Forgiveness know.
Hugh Wyles, June 5th - 9th. 2005.
Author notes
Digging in my archives, I discovered this double sonnet which I had posted to All-Poetry in June 2005 (I actually have an AP printout dated June 9th 2005 on file) but which, mysteriously, disappeared from the site. I am therefore re-posting it on the advice of my friend Catz (Moderator).
In a list
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Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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I'm glad you reposted this, Hugh. I remember it from when you had it posted before.
It's such a touching poem, the emotion of this piece flows with the feeling and emotion which only you can accomplish with your writing.
Dee
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This is so touching and so timely, as I remember my parents talking about D-Day, and the pictures of the dead on the beach at Normandy... I hope your prayer will be answered. (Aside from the content, the poem itself is immaculately constructed, and a joy to read!) Lita
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Dear Hugh, I don't remember if we'd met when you posted this one but I'm sure glad that you found a copy of it to repost for us to enjoy. I can understand why you would've been upset, especially as it was one of your Wyleian Sonnets, you would've been devastated. I wonder what happened to it? Wonderful poem my dear.
Love Jen
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Dear Jen,
It wasn't only the disappearance of the poem that concerned me which, in itself is a mystery, but the fact that it was inexplicably 'lost' by the All-Poetry site which I had always considered safe and secure. It's only the fact that all Wyleian Sonnets are numbered that led to discovery of the 'loss'. Now, I have this nagging thought: "What other poems have been lost that we thought were 'safe'?"
Thankyou for raising the question.
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A vivid picture,
a haunting scene,
of what remains
after the battle
and what is lost,
a cost too high,
it always seems.
Beautifully written Hugh. I'm glad you found a copy of this otherwise I wouldn't have had the opportunity to read it.
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Dear Hugh, I too remember this poem from back then and I know how devastated you were when you found it had disappeared from AP, I was so relieved when you found an AP copy of it. I'm glad you re posted it and hope it doesn't disappear again as it's a wonderful poem that I know you are very fond of.
Love Bea
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It was posted before I knew you, well, other than by Mariza's word of mouth anyway, so it is new to me. It is poignant, reflective and with the understanding not only of their service but of what they, as individuals, have lost. And that for me is always the great horror of war...that an individual's life ceased to be.
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Dear Hugh
I remember this one - well worth posting again - a most heartrending write and oh so true.
Love & Hugs XXX
Anne
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