O What Is That Sound? By W . H. Auden
O What Is That Sound?
O what is that sound that so thrills the ear
Down in the valley drumming, drumming?
Only the scarlet soldiers, dear,
The soldiers coming.
O what is that light I see flashing so clear
Over the distance brightly, brightly?
Only the sun on their wepons, dear,
As they step lightly.
O what are they doing with all that gear,
What are they doing this morning, this morning?
Only their usual manoeuvres, dear,
As they step lightly.
O why have they left the road down there,
Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling?
Perhaps a change in their orders, dear.
Why are you kneeling?
O haven't they stopped for the doctor's care,
Haven't they reined their horses, their horses?
Why, They are none of them wounded, dear,
None of these forces.
O is it the parson they want with white hair,
Is it the Parson, is it, is it?
No, they are passing his gateway, dear,
Without a visit.
O it must be the farmer who lives so near,
It must be the farmer so cunning, so cunning?
They have passed the farm already, dear,
And now they are running.
O where are you going? Stay with me here!
were the vows you swore me decieving, decieving?
No, I promised to love you, dear,
But I must be leaving.
O it's broken the lock and splintered the door,
O it's the gate where they're turning, turning;
Their feet are heavy on the floor
And their eyes are burning.
By W . H. Auden
