Soldier, why do you shrink from the hiss of the hungry lead?
The bullet that whizzed is past; the approaching ball is dumb.
Stand straight! you cannot shrink from Fate: let it come!
A comrade in front may hear it whiz—when you are dead.
I am busy working to bring John Boyle O'Reilly's "Destiny" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about John Boyle O'Reilly's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "Destiny" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.