Remembering Martin Carter- Guyana’s National Poet

Martin Wylde Carter (7 June 1927 – 13 December 1997)

Death of a Comrade

by Martin Carter

Death must not find us thinking that we die
too soon, too soon
our banner draped for you
I would prefer the banner in the wind
Not bound so tightly
in a scarlet fold
not sodden, sodden
with your people’s tears
but flashing on the pole
we bear aloft
down and beyond this dark, dark lane of rags.
Now, from the mourning vanguard moving on
dear Comrade, I salute you and I say
Death will not find us thinking that we die.