A Song of the Guns
A Song of the Guns is a novel by Gilbert Frankau that tells the story of a group of British soldiers during World War I. The book follows their experiences on the front lines and the impact it has on their lives. It explores themes such as camaraderie, sacrifice, and the horrors of war.
By Gilbert Frankau · First published 1930 · Genre: War Poetry, Military Fiction, Historical Fiction · 263 words
First lines
These are our masters, the slim Grim muzzles that irk in the pit; That chafe for the rushing of wheels, For the teams plunging madly to bit As the gunners wing down to unkey, For the trails sweeping half-circle-right, For the six breech-blocks clashing as one To a target viewed clear on the sight -- Gray masses the shells search and tear Into fragments that bunch as they run -- For the hour of the red battle-harvest, The dream of the slaves of the gun!
We have bartered our souls to the guns; Every fibre of body and brain Have we trained to them, chained to them. Serfs?
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of the Guns is listed on Textopian as a poem by Gilbert Frankau, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Gilbert Frankau
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Military Fiction, Historical Fiction, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 263 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Song of the Guns by Gilbert Frankau
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Song of the Guns?
- How does this poem by Gilbert Frankau fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- My Army O My Army And Other Songs by Henry Lawson
- The Guards Came Through by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Butchers Bills by George Macdonald
- To Sai by Frederic Manning
- Relieved by Frederic Manning
- Before The War by C. J. Dennis
Genres
- War Poetry — The text focuses on themes of war, specifically the relationship between soldiers and artillery, using poetic language and structure.
- Military Fiction — The narrative centers around military life and the experiences of gunners, reflecting the realities of war.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context suggest a historical period of warfare, likely inspired by real events.
- Lyric Poetry — The work employs lyrical elements, such as rhythm and imagery, to convey emotional depth and intensity.
Tags
war · poetry · conflict · military · courage · sacrifice · battlefield · heroism · history · soldiers · grief · loss