Anthem for Doomed YouthWhat passing-bells for these who die as cattle? - Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle Can patter out their hasty orisons. No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs, - The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; And bugles calling for them from sad shires. What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of good-byes. The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds, And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. |
Listen to the PoemGlossary
It was customary to pull down the blinds and block out the cheerful sunshine in a house in which someone had died. This kept the mood sombre and warned neighbours that the household were in mourning.
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Other useful resources
A video lecture on the poem. Especially useful for those who missed the lesson on this poem.
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