Isaac Rosenberg

(1890–1918)

The Dead Heroes

Isaac Rosenberg

Flame out, you glorious

    skies,

Welcome, our brave,

Kiss their exultant eyes;

Give what they gave.

Flash, maile’d seraphin,

Your burning spears;

New days to outflame their

    dim

Heroic years.

Thrills their baptismal

    tread

The bright proud air;

The embattled plumes

    outspread

Burn upwards there.

Flame out, flame out, O

    Song!

Star ring to star,

Strong as our hurt is strong

Our children are.

Their blood is England’s

    heart;

By their dead hands

It is their noble part

That England stands.

England – Time gave them

    thee;

They gave back this

To win Eternity

And claim God’s kiss.

—1914