W.N. Hodgson
Sons of mine, I hear you thrilling
To the trumpet call of war,
Gird ye then, I give you freely,
As I give your sires before,
All the noblest of the children I in love and anguish bore.
Free in service, wise in justice,
Fearing but dishonours breath;
Steeled to suffer uncomplaining
Loss of failure, pain of death
Strong in faith which sees the issue and in hope that triumpeth.
Go, and may the God of battles
You in his good guidance keep:
And if he wisdom giveth
Unto his beloved sleep
I accept nothing asking, save little space to weep.
© by owner. provided at no charge for educational purposes
Analysis (AI Assisted)
W.N. Hodgson’s poem *”The Call”* is a deeply emotional and powerful expression of a soldier’s sense of duty, sacrifice, and love for his comrades and country. Written during World War I, the poem reflects the mindset of a soldier who, despite the horrors of war, is prepared to answer the call to battle with courage, resolve, and a strong sense of honor. Hodgson’s use of direct, heartfelt language conveys both the personal and collective dimensions of this duty, creating a poignant meditation on the nature of war, loyalty, and sacrifice.
The speaker in the poem, likely a father or an elder figure, addresses his “sons” as they prepare for battle. The “trumpet call of war” is heard, and the speaker responds not with fear or reluctance but with a sense of pride and responsibility. He freely gives his sons “all the noblest of the children I in love and anguish bore.” This line captures a powerful sentiment: the speaker willingly offers up his sons, not just as soldiers but as the very best he has to give. The act of sending them to war is framed as both a deep personal sacrifice and a duty that transcends individual grief. There is an underlying sense of patriotism, honor, and love that informs this decision, making the pain of sending them into battle more bearable.
The second stanza expands on the qualities the speaker wishes for his sons as they go to war. The ideal soldier, according to the speaker, is “free in service, wise in justice, fearing but dishonour’s breath.” This reflects the belief that war, while brutal, is fought for a just cause, and that the highest virtue is maintaining one’s honor in the face of adversity. The line “steeled to suffer uncomplaining” emphasizes the soldier’s resilience, highlighting the mental and emotional fortitude needed to endure the pain, loss, and death that come with war. This ideal soldier is not driven by fear or personal gain but by a sense of duty and faith, embodied in the phrase “strong in faith which sees the issue and in hope that triumpheth.” The speaker, in a way, is preparing his sons for the worst, but with the belief that their sacrifice will ultimately lead to a noble and victorious outcome.
The closing stanza brings a sense of quiet acceptance and sorrow. The speaker wishes his sons well as they go off to battle, asking for God’s guidance and protection. However, the final lines suggest that the speaker has already come to terms with the possibility of loss: “if he wisdom giveth / Unto his beloved sleep / I accept nothing asking, save little space to weep.” The idea that the speaker may lose his sons to the war is not met with rage or resistance but with a humble acceptance of fate. There is no demand for justice or retribution, only a quiet plea for a small moment of mourning. This acceptance of sacrifice is poignant and conveys the depth of the speaker’s love and sense of duty.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective, with a steady rhythm that reflects the unwavering resolve of the speaker. The repetition of key phrases, such as “I give you freely” and “strong in faith,” serves to reinforce the speaker’s commitment and the steadfastness of his beliefs. The rhyme scheme and meter contribute to the solemn, measured tone, making the poem feel almost like a prayer or solemn pledge.
Overall, *”The Call”* is a deeply moving meditation on duty, sacrifice, and the personal cost of war. Hodgson’s use of a fatherly figure who willingly sends his sons to war evokes both the tragedy and nobility of such decisions. While the poem is filled with a sense of pride and honor, it also acknowledges the painful reality of war, where lives are lost, and futures are uncertain. The speaker’s acceptance of this, coupled with his unwavering love for his sons, reflects the complex emotions soldiers and their families must have felt during the war. Through simple yet powerful language, Hodgson creates a timeless reflection on the nature of war and the sacrifices it demands.