O what is that sound which so thrills the ear <br />Down in the valley drumming, drumming? <br />Only the scarlet soldiers, dear, <br />The soldiers coming. <br /> <br />O what is that light I see flashing so clear <br />Over the distance brightly, brightly? <br />Only the sun on their weapons, dear, <br />As they step lightly. <br /> <br />O what are they doing with all that gear, <br />What are they doing this morning, morning? <br />Only their usual manoeuvres, dear, <br />Or perhaps a warning. <br /> <br />O why have they left the road down there, <br />Why are they suddenly wheeling, wheeling? <br />Perhaps a change in their orders, dear, <br />Why are you kneeling? <br /> <br />O haven't they stopped for the doctor's care, <br />Haven't they reined their horses, horses? <br />Why, they are none of them wounded, dear, <br />None of these forces. <br /> <br />O is it the parson they want, with white hair, <br />Is it the parson, is it, is it? <br />No, they are passing his gateway, dear, <br />Without a visit. <br /> <br />O it must be the farmer that lives so near. <br />It must be the farmer so cunning, so cunning? <br />They have passed the farmyard already, dear, <br />And now they are running. <br /> <br />O where are you going? Stay with me here! <br />Were the vows you swore deceiving, deceiving? <br />No, I promised to love you, dear, <br />But I must be leaving. <br /> <br />O it's broken the lock and splintered the door, <br />O it's the gate where they're turning, turning; <br />Their boots are heavy on the floor <br />And their eyes are burning.<br /><br />WH Auden<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/o-what-is-that-sound/
