Classic Poem

I

(for the Roll of Honour of the University of Liverpool)
These , who desired to live, went out to death;
Dark underground their golden youth is lying.
We live; and there is brightness in our breath
They could not know — the splendour of their dying.

II


(for the first Anniversary of the Armistice)


Mountains and stars, clouds and the white sea-foam,
Flames, snows, and children — should not these suffice,
But this heart-breaking loveliness must come
Gleaming through all — life that willingly dies?

III


(for the War Memorial of the Liverpool Post Office)


They died for us: they left this blessed fortune of the light,
And gave themselves to darkness, to our love returning never.
But lo, presiding over us like stars over the night,
Quiet and lovely and supreme, lives their death for ever.