Water (Motif)
Water repeatedly appears in the poem as the soldier drifts into different states of consciousness. Water is the medium that slowly dissolves the soldier's grasp on life; it transports him further into the realm of death. The descriptions of water vary: at times it is dark and gently washes life away, and at other times it reflects the flowers and hues of summer. The varied descriptions of water resemble the fluidity of the substance itself, and help convey the soldier's loosening grip on life.
Summertime (Symbol)
Summer appears in the poem both inside the mind of the dying soldier and as the season of the external setting. As the soldier's consciousness fluctuates, the water transporting him through the experience is "bordered with reflected flowers / And shaken hues of summer" (Lines 13-14). Outside the ward, a warm summer rain falls on drooping roses, "Gently and slowly washing life away" (Line 27). Summer is generally considered a time of abundance, restfulness, optimism, and fullness. But in "The Death Bed," summer is paired with death.
The Thudding Guns (Symbol)
In the final lines of the poem, after the soldier dies, thudding guns sound in the distance. These symbolize an impending threat of violence. The context of the poem is World War I, which is why these guns are specified as "the" guns (Line 42). The poet suggests that no one is entirely safe from the violence of the war. Even if one lives in a beautiful, calm, and natural setting like the one described in the poem (with a warm summer rain soaking the woods), death can approach if war draws near.
