Anthem for Doomed Youth
What passing-bells for these who die as cattle? doodsklokken
— Only the monstrous anger of the guns.
Only the stuttering rifles' rapid rattle
Can patter out their hasty orisons. gekletter, geratel / gebed
No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells; komt van to mock of
Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs,—
The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells; jammeren
And bugles calling for them from sad shires. graafschap (provincies in Engeland)
What candles may be held to speed them all?
Not in the hands of boys, but in their eyes
Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes.
The pallor of girls' brows shall be their pall; bleekheid / voorhoofd
Their flowers the tenderness of patient minds,
And each slow dusk a drawing-down of blinds. zonsondergang