In Mark Helprin's "A Soldier of the Great War," the narrative is propelled by a character who reflects on his life with a sense of urgency. The quote about having "three hooves in the pasture and one already in the grave" symbolizes the character's awareness of his mortality and the inevitability of death. Despite this, he expresses a desire to share his remaining thoughts and experiences, indicating that there is still more to his story that is worth telling.

This moment captures the essence of the human experience, balancing the weight of past memories with the knowledge of time running out. The character's journey is not just about facing death but also about cherishing the narratives that shape his identity. Helprin masterfully weaves themes of life, loss, and the importance of remembrance into the fabric of his story, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives as they contemplate what truly matters before it's too late.