REMEMBER, REMEMBER THE ELEVENTH OF NOVEMBER

I have a Rendezvous with Death
at some disputed barricade,
When Spring comes back with rustling shade
and apple blossoms fill the air
I have a Rendezvous with Death
When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

It may be that he shall take my hand
And lead me into his dark land
And close my eyes and quench my breath
It may be I shall pass him still.
I have a Rendezvous with Death
on some scarred slope of battered hill,
When Spring comes round this year
And the first meadow flowers appear.

God know 'twere better to be deep
Pillowed in silk and scented down,
here Love throbs out to blissful sleep,
Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath
Where hushed awakenings are dear ...
But I've a rendezvous with Death
and midnight in some flaming town,
When Spring trips north this year,
And I to my pledged word am true,
I shall not fail that rendezvous.

Alan Seeger  (1888-1916)