The Tolerance of Crowds 

This prophetic poem was written by Charles Donnelly before he had 
decided to leave Ireland and join the International Brigade in Spain. 
He fell charging the Fascist trenches at Jarama on February 27, 1937. 
His body, shattered by two explosive bullets, was recovered four days 
later. 

Death comes ill quantity from solved 
Problems on maps, well-ordered dispositions, 
Angles of elevation and direction; 

Comes innocent from tools children might 
Love, retaining under pillows, 
Innocently impaled on any flesh. 

And with flesh falls apart the mind 
That trails thought from the mind that cuts 
Thought clearly for a waiting purpose. 

Progress of poison in the nerves and 
Discipline’s collapse is halted. 
Body awaits the tolerance of crows. 

118