Alan Seeger

thumb| Alan Seeger (22 June 1888 – 4 July 1916) was an American war poet who fought and died in World War I during the Battle of the Somme, serving in the French Foreign Legion. Seeger was the brother of Elizabeth Seeger, a children's author and educator, and Charles Seeger, an American pacifist and musicologist; he was also the uncle of folk musicians Pete Seeger, Peggy Seeger, and Mike Seeger. He is known for the poem "I Have a Rendezvous with Death", a favorite of President John F. Kennedy. Quotes thumb|Be mindful of the men they were, and raise your glasses to them in one silent toast. I have a rendezvous with DeathAt some disputed barricade,When Spring comes round with rustling shadeAnd apple blossoms fill the air—I have a rendezvous with DeathWhen Spring brings back blue days and fair. I Have a Rendezvous with Death (1917) Under the little crosses where they riseThe soldier rests. Now round him undismayedThe cannon thunders, and at night he liesAt peace beneath the eternal fusillade. I love to think that if my blood should beSo privileged to sink where his has sunk,I shall not pass from Earth entirelyBut when the banquet rings, when healths are drunk, Be mindful of the men they were, and raiseYour glasses to them in one silent toast. Champagne, 1914-15 External links Author:Alan Seeger 323 Alan Seeger Category:1888 births Category:1916 deaths Category:Poets from the United States Category:Deaths by war Category:Harvard University alumni Category:People from New York City