Rupert Brooke was a renowned English poet who gained recognition for his war sonnets during World War I. Born in 1887, Brooke’s poems captured the essence of patriotism, love, and the beauty of nature. His unique style of writing and the emotional depth of his words continue to resonate with readers even today. In this article, we will explore some of the most unique and beautiful Rupert Brooke poems that showcase his talent and his contribution to English literature.
Disclaimer: This article contains a selection of Rupert Brooke’s poems. The intention is to provide an overview of his work and promote appreciation for his art. The poems are presented as a tribute to the poet’s skill and not to glorify or endorse war.
Now, let’s delve into the world of Rupert Brooke’s poems and discover the magic he weaves through his words.
Unique and Beautiful Rupert Brooke Poems
1. The Soldier
If I should die, think only this of me:
That there’s some corner of a foreign field
That is forever England. There shall be
In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;
2. Tiare Tahiti
Mamua, when our laughter ends,
And hearts and bodies, brown as white,
Are dust about the doors of friends,
Or scent ablowing down the night,
Then, oh! then, the wise agree,
Comes our immortality.
3. Heaven
Fish (fly-replete, in depth of June,
Dawdling away their wat’ry noon)
Ponder deep wisdom, dark or clear,
Each secret fishy hope or fear.
Fish say, they have their Stream and Pond;
But is there anything Beyond?
This life cannot be All, they swear,
For how unpleasant, if it were!
4. Blow Out, You Bugles
Blow out, you bugles, over the rich Dead!
There’s none of these so lonely and poor of old,
But, dying, has made us rarer gifts than gold.
These laid the world away; poured out the red
Sweet wine of youth, gave up the years to be
Of work and joy, and that unhoped serene,
That men call age; and those who would have been,
Their sons, they gave, their immortality.
5. The Great Lover
I have been so great a lover: filled my days
So proudly with the splendor of Love’s praise,
The pain, the calm, and the astonishment,
Desire illimitable, and still content,
And all dear names men use, to cheat despair,
For the perplexed and viewless streams that bear
Our hearts at random down the dark of life.
Now, ere the unthinking silence on that strife
Steals down, I would cheat drowsy Death so far,
My night shall be remembered for a star
That outshone all the suns of all men’s days.
6. Peace
Now, God be thanked Who has matched us with His hour,
And caught our youth, and wakened us from sleeping,
With hand made sure, clear eye, and sharpened power,
To turn, as swimmers into cleanness leaping,
Glad from a world grown old and cold and weary;
Leave the sick hearts that honor could not move,
And half-men, and their dirty songs and dreary,
And all the little emptiness of love!
7. Beauty and Beauty
When Beauty and Beauty meet
All naked, fair to fair,
The earth is crying-sweet,
And scattering-bright the air,
Eddying, dizzying, closing round,
With soft and drunken laughter;
Veiling all that may befall
After—after—
8. Grantchester
Yet stands the village clock at ten to three?
And is there honey still for tea?
The stinging nettles that refused the net
Are sleeping round the village cricket ground.
The village street with trees is all a-shake;
And shouts of boys, and after that a lark.
And then the chorus, singing, singing till the night
Is tumbled on the town, and deep in dark
The village like a ship in the great ocean sails.
9. Windy Nights
Whenever the moon and stars are set,
Whenever the wind is high,
All night long in the dark and wet,
A man goes riding by.
Late in the night when the fires are out,
Why does he gallop and gallop about?
10. The Wayfarers
Is it the hour? We leave this resting-place
Made fair by one another for a while.
Now, for a god-speed, let our lips embrace,
And part without a kiss, and our ways go
With smiles and silence. Nay, let’s also show
Our love not weary of each other’s faces.
These ten poems are just a glimpse into the brilliance of Rupert Brooke’s work. Each one carries its own unique message, emotion, and beauty. As you explore more of his poems, you will discover the depth and range of his talent as a poet. Rupert Brooke’s legacy lives on through his words, inspiring future generations of poets and literature lovers alike.
