The soldier in question contemplates the unavoidable “rendezvous” he has with death, which will probably arrive in spring, as he says in the first stanza, juxtaposing the imminent end of his life to the rebirth brought by spring. Published posthumously in 1917, “I Have a Rendezvous with Death” is a moving wartime poem that describes a soldier’s coming, unavoidable death. Shortly after composing this poem, he was mortally wounded during the Battle of the Somme. He thought it was the right thing to do, since he was critical of his country’s hesitation to join the war effort (the United States didn’t get involved in the war until 1917). When the war began in 1914, Alan Seeger, who was leading a bohemian lifestyle in the Latin Quarter in Paris, felt compelled to volunteer to fight as a member of the Foreign Legion in the French Army. Pulse nigh to pulse, and breath to breath,Īlan Seeger (22 June 1888 – 4 July 1916) – the uncle of folk musician Pete Seeger – was an American poet who wrote “I Have a Rendezvous with Death” while serving as a soldier during World War I. When Spring brings back blue days and fair. When Spring comes back with rustling shade Eliot & April “(see here) where there was a connection between spring and death, our friend Pat (e-Quips) left a comment in which she said: “ Eliot’s poem reminds me of a more convoluted version of Alan Seeger’s ” I Have a Rendezvous with Death” When Spring brings back blue days and fair.When I published the post “ T.S. I Have a Rendezvous with Death I have a rendezvous with Death This poem could be considered one of the best funeral poems for brothers among those who seek to honour the bravery and sacrifice of those who have died in service to their country. The poem’s final lines, “And I to my pledged word am true, / I shall not fail that rendezvous,” hold powerful significance. The imagery of a “rendezvous” with death indicates a deliberate, even romantic, encounter between the speaker and their fate. The verse speaks of the speaker’s acceptance of their destiny and their willingness to meet death on their conditions.

Patton, who carried a copy of the poem during World War II. Kennedy, who cited the closing lines in a speech honouring the poet Robert Frost, and General George S.

Notable figures who have used the poem include President John F. The poem’s haunting imagery and prophetic tone have made it a favoured option for readings at funerals and memorials. Brothers referring to fellow soldiers who have served their country. The poem “I Have a Rendezvous with Death” is regarded as one of Seeger’s most prominent works regarding funeral poems for brothers.

I have a rendezvous with death