Poem by Rupert Chawner Brooke

The Dead (These hearts were woven of human joys and cares)

 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.

1. The Jolly Company
2. The Great Lover
3. The One Before the Last
4. The Funeral of Youth: Threnody
5. Seaside

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