These hearts were woven of human joys and cares,
Washed marvellously with sorrow, swift to mirth.
The years had given them kindness. Dawn was theirs,
And sunset, and the colours of the earth.
These had seen movement, and heard music; known
Slumber and waking; loved; gone proudly friended;
Felt the quick stir of wonder; sat alone;
Touched flowers and furs and cheeks. All this is ended.

There are waters blown by changing winds to laughter
And lit by the rich skies, all day. And after,
Frost, with a gesture, stays the waves that dance
And wandering loveliness. He leaves a white
Unbroken glory, a gathered radiance,
A width, a shining peace, under the night.

Note

• The Virtual Seminars for Teaching Literature provides a literary criticism of III. The Dead and some of Brooke's poems, as well as links to other "war poets".

Related War Poetry

N.B. -- This poem is part of the 1914 series of poems written by Brooke just before he was shipped to the Dardanelles during the early part of World War I.

1. The "Lost Poets" from Emory U. English Department provides an online anthology of poets who died during the "great war".
2. The Virtual Seminars for Teaching Literature from Oxford University has a more extensive online resource of the War Poets.