Alan Seeger. 1888–1916

 

"I Have a Rendezvous with Death"

 

 

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

         5

When Spring brings back blue days and fair.

 

  

It may be 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.

  10

I have a rendezvous with Death

 

On some scarred slope of battered hill,

 

When Spring comes round again this year

 

And the first meadow-flowers appear.

 

  

God knows 'twere better to be deep

  15

Pillowed in silk and scented down,

 

Where love throbs out in blissful sleep,

 

Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,

 

Where hushed awakenings are dear...

 

But I've a rendezvous with Death

  20

At midnight in some flaming town,

 

When Spring trips north again this year,

 

And I to my pledged word am true,

 

I shall not fail that rendezvous.