The Man He Killed
The Man He Killed :
“Had he and I but met
By some old ancient inn,
We should have sat us down to wet
Right many a nipperkin!"
“But ranged as infantry,
And staring face to face,
I shot at him as he at me,
And killed him in his place."
“I shot him dead because —-
Because he was my foe,
Just so: my foe of course he was;
That’s clear enough; although."
“He thought he’d ’list, perhaps,
Off-hand like — just as I —
Was out of work — had sold his traps —
No other reason why."
“Yes; quaint and curious war is!
You shoot a fellow down
You’d treat if met where any bar is
Or help to half-a-crown."
Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy (1840 - 1928) was both a novelist and a poet. In his novels he depicted people striving against overwhelming odds within a society that was uncaring. However, he sought to improve society.
Hardy’s poetry marks a bridge between the Victorian Age and the Modernist movement of the twentieth century. Hardy’s use of non-poetic language and odd rhymes, coupled with his fatalistic outlook, were both a source and inspiration to numerous twentieth century writers. He is regarded as one of the best poets of his time. His poems are famous for the beauty of them.
The word POETRY originates from a Greek word meaning TO MAKE. A poet is thus a maker and the poem something that is made or created. No single definition of poetry is possible but some characteristic features of poetry may be mentioned. Poetry has a musical quality with rhythm, pitch, metre and it may use figures of speech such as simile and metaphor. While quite a few poems in this selection are in traditional forms, the unit also includes modern poems that are free from formal restrictions.
Here is a list of English Poems written by various authors. Whatever the question is, poetry may be the answer. Writers say poetry provides them with comfort, a way to express themselves and the discipline of finding the essence with few words. Writing the poem (and finding just the right word) is the measure of success that the authors use. Really good poetry is instinctive. It’s who you are. It’s from the heart. You need to expose yourself to all kinds of poets and you may find your motivation and muse that way. Poetry gets to the core meaning. Poetry expands ideas.
