When the Sixty-Ninth Comes Back
The poem explores themes of patriotism and loyalty to one's country. It describes the return of a soldier who has been away fighting for years, and his reunion with his family and community. The speaker expresses pride in the soldier's service and welcomes him back home.
By Joyce Kilmer · First published 1918 · Genre: War Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Poetry · 524 words
First lines
The Sixty-ninth is on its way -- France heard it long ago, And the Germans know we're coming, to give them blow for blow. We've taken on the contract, and when the job is through We'll let them hear a Yankee cheer and an Irish ballad too.
The Harp that once through Tara's Halls shall fill the air with song, And the Shamrock be cheered as the port is neared by our triumphant throng. With the Potsdam Palace on a truck and the Kaiser in a sack, New York will be seen one Irish green when the Sixty-ninth comes back.
What this Textopian page supports
When the Sixty-Ninth Comes Back is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joyce Kilmer, dated 1918 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Joyce Kilmer
- Date: 1918 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Historical Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Cultural Poetry
- Length: 524 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for When the Sixty-Ninth Comes Back by Joyce Kilmer
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering When the Sixty-Ninth Comes Back?
- How does this short story by Joyce Kilmer fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Silent Victors May 30 1878 by James Whitcomb Riley
- Soldiers Here To Day by James Whitcomb Riley
- Lusitania by Matthew Arnold
- Gordon And Burnaby by James Mcintyre
- The Fathers Of Our Fathers by Madison Cawein
- A Requiem Poems From Battle Pieces by Herman Melville
Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects themes of war, valor, and the experiences of soldiers, characteristic of war poetry.
- Patriotic Literature — It expresses national pride and the spirit of soldiers returning from battle, emphasizing loyalty and heroism.
- Historical Poetry — The work references historical events and figures, linking the past with the present experiences of soldiers.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem employs personal emotion and musicality, typical of lyric poetry, to convey feelings of pride and remembrance.
Tags
War Poetry · American Literature · WWI · Poetry Collection · Soldier's Perspective · Nostalgia · Loss of Innocence · Coming of Age · Mortality · Patriotism · National Identity · Social Commentary