Alan Seeger Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alan Seeger.

Alan Seeger was an American poet born on June 22, 1888, in New York City. He grew up in a literary environment as his father and uncle were both prominent writers. Seeger attended Harvard University, where he developed a passion for poetry and literature. During his time at Harvard, he became a close friend of fellow poet T.S. Eliot.

In 1912, Seeger moved to Paris, France, where he immersed himself in the bohemian lifestyle and became an integral part of the city's literary scene. He established strong connections with expatriate writers such as Ezra Pound and Hilda Doolittle.

When World War I broke out, Seeger enlisted in the French Foreign Legion in 1914, driven by a sense of duty and a desire for adventure. Tragically, he was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme on July 4, 1916, fighting for France. His courageous sacrifice and patriotic spirit were commemorated in his poem "I Have a Rendezvous with Death," which he wrote shortly before his death.

Seeger's work is characterized by a romantic and patriotic tone, often infused with a sense of mortality and a deep appreciation for nature. His poems, including "Ode in Memory of Volunteer Comrades Fallen in the War" and "I Have a Rendezvous with Death," remain influential and continue to be anthologized. Alan Seeger's legacy lies not only in his poetry but also in his selfless devotion to his adopted country during a time of war.