If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,
Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,
A body of England's, breathing English air,
Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home.
And think, this heart, all evil shed away,
A pulse in the eternal mind, no less
Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given;
Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day;
And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness,
In hearts at peace, under an English heaven.
The War Sonnets: V The Soldier by Rupert Brooke • 98 poems by Rupert BrookeEdit
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Rupert Brooke born on 3rd August 1887, the second son of the House Master of School Field, Rugby, and his wife Ruth Cotterill. It was here that he grew up, attending both the preparatory and main schools. His parents moved in established intellectual circles: during summer holidays, the Brooke children played with the Stephen children (including 'Virginia Woolf' and 'Vanessa Bell') on the beach at St Ives, Cornwall. In Rugby he began writing poetry and developing the romantic verse style known later as Georgian.
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By Rupert Brooke, © 1913, All rights reserved.
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Editor notes
This is Brooke's best-loved and best-known poem, perhaps because in it he was actually writing his own epitaph. His deep love of his Country is very moving and the respect he shows for the English people is quite evident.
The poem is often compared with 'Drummer Hodge' written by Thomas Hardy during the Boer War.
http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show/6386-Thomas-Hardy-Drummer-Hodge
Both poems sharing the same theme, the death and burial of a young soldier far from home, but this poem is a loving, sentimental poem whereas Hardy's was closer to the harsher realities of war.
Brooke is buried in Greece.
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there's some corner of a foreign field
That is for ever England
Brookes Sassoon and other 1st ww poets greatly influenced my upbringing and I can very easily relate to them. I spent many years in Africa and Drummer Hodge which for some reason I have never read before has greatly touched me. I have had the priveledge of visiting many of the great fields of battle in Flanders France Islandwana and Rourkes Drift all very moving places.
My grandfather was an old contemptable, he joined the army on the 1st day of the war in 1914 and survived 4 long years in the trenches. My other grandfather was in the Royal Flying Corps during ww1 and later transfered to the Royal Air Force at its conception in 1918.
My father flew throuout ww2 i such places as Burma India And other far east theatres, I joined the Royal Air Force in 1971 and served for 6 years before becoming a contractor and working throuout Africa the far east, middle east Papua New Gunuia and other places.
I would love to share some of my work and would like your input
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Love and adore all his poetry-this is one special one which you can relate to even now. RIP RB
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- His love of country is self-evident, there is something both very touching and stirring about these short lines even to a modern Soldier. God bless
I've always been fond of this poem. Personally, I believe it is the best one he ever wrote.
I suspect that the verdict of history will render this as the one Rupert Brooke is remembered by, and possibly no others. I have several books of his poems, and none of them stand out like this one.
- wow ..holy crap. thank you brother for giving this to me. I am Canadian, we have had blood on foreign soil for quite a while now. This poem sits me still and demands my attention. Thank you very much for posting it.
Ross - Generally,the poem's great,and I like the patriotism in it,the flow,everything.Awesome!
- the flow was great i love it
First, I like the flow and meter of this effort; the sentiment is warm and gentle. Unfortunately, this poet "felt" his impending appointment. Problem I have with poets is "this impending doom" about war. Nobody reads my efforts because I survived Khe Sanh and the Vietnam without so much as a scratch...! My thoughts during my participation wasn't death, or dying; it was looking around and writing about what I witnessed as a poet. Dear poets; most warriors who go to war return home,...only a small percentage give their life in those conflicts, but those who die performing their duty has my highest regard (read one of my efforts titled, SEVENTY-SEVEN DAYS OF SIEGE AT KHE SANH, and don't forget the author's notes)...!!!
essays
From guest salma (contact)
i have to write an essay comparing this poem and dolce et decorum est. it is horrible!!!For guest Joanna
When this was written Brooke and thousands like him had no idea of the true horror of war that lay ahead of them when they finished training and went over to France in 1914.
I believe that it reflects the actual thoughts of the poet and/or many of his peers at the time before reality so rudely awakened everyone involved.
Jim- My father was at Cambridge with Brooke, and they were friends, going on the enormously long walks which people did in those days (tea at Grantchester and all), and both were enthusiastic Fabians -- Brooke became President of the Cambidge society for a year, but does not seem to have had very firm beliefs. He did put on a play, with no props, bare stage, and modern clothes, which was at the time (c.1908) revolutionary, and so I laugh a little when modern dramaturges do this same stuff.
I of course have often read the comparisons with those poets who lived to experience the horrors of war, and I know there was an idea that going off to fight was a kind of escape from futility, but I should be surprised if either Brooke or my father really looked upon the coming war romantically. There is a poem, more harrowing and violent than any of the war poems which became so famous -- but it was written by an unknown, in 1913. I think people knew that when the clash of the titans happened , it would not be pretty. But of course, experiencing the reality is a very different thing, so in that sense, it is right to make the contrast which apparently children are taught -- and it is a bit sad to see those kids who are lucky enough to be exposed to poetry, that they seem so baffled.
As a rider, I like to think that the 'laughter learnt of friends' includes my father...... - From guest joanna (contact)
This is an idealistic poem, not really showing the reality of war Essays Essays Essays
From guest Courtney (contact)
I have to write and essay analyzing the simalarites and differences between this poem and dule et decorum est by wilfred owen. I've no clue what to write about.For guest Liam
From the letter head it must have been written between September 1914 when he joined the Navy and late February 1915 when he set sail for the Mediteranean.
I believe he is writing to tell someone not to worry or to grieve if he should die in the war. That was apparently the message when it was read out in Easter 1915 in St Paul's Cathedral shortly before his death from a mosquito bite en-route to Gallipoli.
Unlike many of the other "War Poets" Brooke died believing that the war was worth fighting.
JimWHAT DAY!!!!
From guest ROBB (contact)
WHAT DAY DID HE WRITE IT!?
MOD MESSAGE
We have provided a picture of the actual manuscript letter! Can you see a date?
It was afrer he enlisted in the Navy in September 1914 and before February 28th 1915 when he set sail for the Med. In Easter 1915 it was read out in St Paul's Cathedral
Jimwhy did he write the soldier
From guest liam (contact)
why did rupert write it I have found that it was for love and his patriotism but the poem seems to be of what the people should think of him- From guest tete (contact)
what is the speakers general attitude toward the situation? - Actually towards the end of the war it became compulsory to fight as they brought in conscription during WW1. Apparently some in our church grouping went to prison as conscientious objectors for refusing to fight.
Even if you did not end up in prison, you still suffered abuse from others, white feathers or being spat at.
If you ever get hold of it, the BBC film Einstein and Eddington shows what it was like, since Arthur Eddington was a Quaker and therefore refused to fight.
As for the poem, I remember studying this for O level English along with others from the war poets.
The Soldier by Rupert Brroke
From guest Rui Xuan (contact)
I love this poem! It inspires the soul and touches the heart.WW1 poem
From guest olivia (contact)
i have this essay to write comparing Rupert Brooke's "the soldier" and Wilfred Owen's "dulce et decorum est" i have to find their purpose and the motive of the authors please help me otherwise its a nice poem but i dont think i would have like to enrole myself for WW1 even to save my countryThis Poem
From guest LaurenB! (contact)
I am doing this essay in english about this poem and i find it very interestiing.I like the way he wrote this poem and i find it very good
!dangerous
From guest Rina Blijdorp (contact)
When people see Brooke's photo and read this poem they are easily moved and think it all so beautiful - this man was prepared to die for his country. But this old lie, as Wilfred Owen calls it, that it is good and heroic to die for your country, is actually the same sort of lie that makes peolpe nowadays act as suicide-bombers and blow up as many people as possible.AMAZING!!!
From guest SEAN B (contact)
THIS IS TRULEY OUTSTANDING PIECE OF BEUTIFUL, EXPLICIT, REMARKABLE POETRY.On "The Soldier"
From guest Helene Sofos (contact)
This is my most favourite poem of WWI. Brooke loved his country. He didn´t write this poem as a campaign in favour of war but because he did think very sincerely that it is great to fight for one´s country. It is an honour to say that he is buried in my country.ohhh
From guest HELL YER (contact)
this is such a lovley peom, but i think it has some flaws,
Would you please point out the flaws, we will make efforts to correct them if necessary.
Von -Oldpoetry Research TeamThe Soldier
From guest -daveeee (contact)
i was just wondering if you could give some information on what this poem was written about. the meaning i derived is that the poet is depicting the deaths that took place among the fields of england???
MOD MESSAGE
As a first step you could try reading the poem notes above this comment and the comments beneath yours.NICE
From guest HDKHDFKJFH (contact)
i like this poem, but this is a typical pre - war poetry, so therefore it does show a lot of contrast against, for example "Dulce et Decorum est"- I love this.
Landscape, life and values of England
From guest Sinead Longden (contact)
From this poem what can readers tell about the landscape, life and values of England? I was just wondering if anyoen could help me?for Lucy
Lucy please look at the image and the address on the top of the page - it will tell you what you want to know - also read the comments prior to yours - reading others thoughts are always a good way to learn. Good Luck - Von ~ Oldpoetryhelp
From guest Lucy (contact)
you do not give any information of where he wrote this poem please could someone tell me this so I can write my english essay without a problem!for guest Caroline
He was commissioned into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve as a temporary Sub-Lieutenant shortly after his 27th birthday which would have been in 1914. He remained in the Reserve until his death in 1915; this poem being written in 1914 - hope that answeres your question.
Von - Oldpoetry Teamrupert brooke
From guest caroline (contact)
where was this poem written? did he write it while he was in the Royal NavyCan you tell me ....
From guest Nottelling (contact)
What can we learn from this poem and Dulce Et Decorum Est pls... ASAPLearned Long ago
From guest beryl Lowe (contact)
This is very beautiful. It is something that comes to my mind very often. I learned it as a little girl, and I will always remember.ummm
From guest Beth (contact)
i'm doing an english assessment on ww1 poetry and i have to find the dates of which this poem was written...can anybody help? thanks and this is a great poem its a great symbol of patriotism...- From guest Alison (contact)
Being English and never feeling at home here...I have this on a plague in my garden. Makes me feel at home. - Brooke was actually in the Royal Navy during WW1 but since they had more officers and men than were required for the available ships several battalions were formed and served as members of the army in army uniforms with Royal navy insignia. He died in 1915 of blood poisoning following a minor wound. http://www.1914-18.co.uk/brooke/
for a quick biography just click on the picture at the top of this page. wondering....
From guest melinda marryton (contact)
I am doing a history project and i was wondering if this guy was in ww1....if anyone knows could you post it..please and thankyou.......oh and uh good poem. very deepHispoems touch the heart-strings profoundly
Rupert Brooke has always been one of my favourites.
very sooothing sonnet
From guest Haldow Mush (contact)
very well structured and a great poem. we r doing this in english atm.Rock on
From guest Gerts (contact)
Rupert Brook was an amazing specimen of naivety. Although this is partially excusable due to the euphoria of 1914, it is ridiculous to write of that of which you know nothing. I do not deny the poem's poignancy or skillful writing techinque, but I do believe it to be - whilst an important part of history, entirely dishonest (as is blatantly obvious.)Rock on Rupert!!!excellent poem
we learned this poem during world war two, when I was a student at the local high school. Our school choir, of which I was a member,sang it on numerous occasions.
Even in those days I thought it a most beautiful poem written with such feeling. Thank You for this lovely poem. JaneanaSo sad, young men have to die for freedom.
I can feel his heart beat as he knows he will die but he is not afraid. He is sad and knows that where ere it may happen, he will be England in that land. He was a true patroit. So many have hard hearts not this this youg man. Brooke was a winner.- comments transferred from a duplicated version of poem:
mantell (email) on Jul 11, 9:02 said: (209.240.207.44)
Even before his death Rupert Brooke had been acclaimed the future of English poetry. He had Byron's beauty without his perversity and Chatterton's precociousness without the torment at its root. His patriotism is pure, noble and aspiring. It accepts tradition and duty, and does not question them. The other poets of the Great War regarded it as their mission to expose the hypocrisy, horror and futility of war. They were, for the most part, men broken in body and spirit. Brooke never shared their disillusionment or angst. His patriotism was of the simplest and purest kind, not just skin-deep but bone-deep, as this poem attests. This is the reason, I think, that his poems (and this poem in particular) touch the heart in a way that the poetry of the equally great but jaded Sassoon does not. Faith, hope and resolve are beautiful and inspiring qualities that will beat doubt, hopelessness and irresolution any day.
lucy (email) on Nov 28, 2003, 1:16 p.m. said: (24.51.107.182)
Verdict: great
This is as patriotic a tribute as you can get, and I think beautifully and poignantly written. That a young man feels so much for his country really stands out in itself. It also demonstrates, being an early WWI poem, the innocence of the young man who wrote it, not yet disillusioned by the horrors of the war that had an impact on the poetry of others like Sassoon and Owen, who wrote of the tragic reality of the war as opposed to the glory of its cause.
Edited on Oct 31, 1:03 because ''. - Comments transferred from a duplicated entry of this poem:
Comments
Connie on Jun 19, 2003, 11:04 p.m. said: (66.8.228.79)
Verdict: Exquisite!
This lovely piece bows to the Queen and honors England exquisitely. (
lucy (email) on Nov 28, 2003, 1:16 p.m. said: (24.51.107.182)
Verdict: great
This is as patriotic a tribute as you can get, and I think beautifully and poignantly written. That a young man feels so much for his country really stands out in itself. It also demonstrates, being an early WWI poem, the innocence of the young man who wrote it, not yet disillusioned by the horrors of the war that had an impact on the poetry of others like Sassoon and Owen, who wrote of the tragic reality of the war as opposed to the glory of its cause. ((email)')" href="#"reply?)
Fatima on Dec 15, 2003, 11:42 said: (200.181.210.198)
braziL..
seus coco! eu so brasileira i vcs naum saben u ke eu to skrevenu aki
intaum..
vai toduuu mundo caga.. pq eu keru a analise do poema i soh ten essa bosta ae!
Timbo (email) on Mar 21, 2004, 1:29 p.m. said: (81.78.192.222)
Verdict: The Irony of it all
This poem emphasises to the full the naivity of those prior to WW1, the reality of Brooke's death shows there is no honour in death however patriotic you are, life isn't a film with a happy ending for those with hope. - excellent poem.
- This classic world war one poem shows Brookes attitude to death and afterlife. It shows sympathy for the soldiers of WW1 and what they deserve.
- Thank you very much I love this poem.
- I have heard the first 2 lines of this poem recited so many times and finding it's source is a personal achievement.
Young men who expected to die in a foreign countryand were so proud of their own nationality may have often thought like this.
Poignant piece.
Von
