I Hear an Army Charging Upon the Land

James Joyce

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I hear an army charging upon the land,
And the thunder of horses plunging, foam about their knees:
Arrogant, in black armour, behind them stand,
Disdaining the reins, with fluttering whips, the charioteers.

They cry unto the night their battle-name:
I moan in sleep when I hear afar their whirling laughter.
They cleave the gloom of dreams, a blinding flame,
Clanging, clanging upon the heart as upon an anvil.

They come shaking in triumph their long, green hair:
They come out of the sea and run shouting by the shore.
My heart, have you no wisdom thus to despair?
My love, my love, my love, why have you left me alone?

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Comments2
  • drakenchill

    WOW, THIS POEM REALLY MADE ME FEEL THE CHAOS AND PAIN OF A BATTLEFIELD! I COULD ALMOST HEAR THE THUNDEROUS ROAR OF HORSES AND THE CLASHING ARMOR. IT'S CRAZY HOW IT ENDS WITH A HEARTBREAKING TONE, REALLY CAPTURING THE DESPAIR AND EMOTIONS OF LOVE AND LOSS. TRULY MOVING AND EVOCATIVE!

    • adriannemakutz8

      Hey guys, this piece seriously gave me chills! It painted such a vivid image of a violent army and yet it ends on such a personal and sad note. It's quite a rollercoaster. I wonder, does anyone else think the speaker is dealing with an internal battle, perhaps about a lost loveā€¦ or is it more of a commentary on war and violence? Curious to know your thoughts.