Sonnet 89 The Glorious Dead Poem by David Wood

Hearts of oak once pounding beating with joy
Waves of emotions of love sorrow mirth
Kind generosity did once employ
Now lying at rest their sunset the earth

In their youth they responded to the call
Forsaking everything for a damp trench
Going forward in no-man's land they fall
The smell of flowers exchanged for Death's stench

Once wounded they lay with bodies broken
Lying in mud their life but a trickle
Silent words that will never be spoken
Death walks slowly claims all with his suckle

Now glowing with shining peace where they lie
Unending glory in their clear blue sky