diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:49:19 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:49:19 -0700 |
| commit | 6e41060fac342de17b6e9e328f2f95d1814bd8bc (patch) | |
| tree | a8aa849323038750974140bddd08898db45b2921 | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 136299 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632-h/16632-h.htm | 4907 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632-h/images/medalion.jpg | bin | 0 -> 10567 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632-h/images/overherecover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 56160 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632.txt | 4628 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 16632.zip | bin | 0 -> 60912 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 |
9 files changed, 9551 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/16632-h.zip b/16632-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..39e1b62 --- /dev/null +++ b/16632-h.zip diff --git a/16632-h/16632-h.htm b/16632-h/16632-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4e1a21c --- /dev/null +++ b/16632-h/16632-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4907 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Over Here, by Edgar A. Guest</title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h3,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + h2, h4 { + margin-left: 8.0%; /*h2, h4 left-aligned*/ + } + + + hr { width: 55%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 5em; + margin-left: 0.5%; + margin-right: 45%; + clear: both; + } + a:link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + link {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + a:visited {color: blue; text-decoration: none; } + a:hover {color: red } + body{margin-left: 15%; + margin-right: 15%; + } + .center {text-align: center;} + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + hr.full { width: 100%; + margin-top: 0em; + margin-bottom: 0em; + margin-left: 0%; + margin-right: 0%; + clear: both; } + pre {font-size: 8pt;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, Over Here, by Edgar A. Guest</h1> +<pre> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre> +<p>Title: Over Here</p> +<p>Author: Edgar A. Guest</p> +<p>Release Date: September 2, 2005 [eBook #16632]</p> +<p>Language: English</p> +<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p> +<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVER HERE***</p> +<p> </p> +<h3>E-text prepared by Pat Saumell and Chuck Greif</h3> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<h1>Over Here</h1> +<h3>By</h3> +<h1>Edgar A. Guest</h1> +<h3>Author of</h3> +<h5>"A Heap o' Livin'" "Just Folks"</h5> +<div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/medalion.jpg" + alt="Design" title="Design" /> +</div> +<p> </p> +<h3>The Reilly & Britton Co.</h3> +<h3>Chicago</h3> +<h3>1918</h3> +<p> </p> +<div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/overherecover.jpg" + alt="Book Cover" title="Book Cover" /> +</div> +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<h1><i>To the Mothers Over Here</i></h1> +<br /><br /><br /><br /> +<hr /> +<h4>INDEX</h4> + +<p> +<a href="#The_Alarm"><b>Alarm, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#America"><b>America</b></a><br /> +<a href="#April_Thoughts"><b>April Thoughts</b></a><br /> +<a href="#As_It_Looks_to_the_Boy"><b>As It Looks to the Boy</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Battle_Prayer"><b>Battle Prayer, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Beautifying_the_Flag"><b>Beautifying the Flag</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Better_Thing"><b>Better Thing, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Big_Deeds"><b>Big Deeds, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Bigger_Than_His_Dad"><b>Bigger Than His Dad</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Boy_Enlists"><b>Boy Enlists, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Boys_Adventure"><b>Boy's Adventure, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Call"><b>Call,The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Call_to_Service"><b>Call to Service, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Change"><b>Change, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Chaplain"><b>Chaplain, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Christmas_1918"><b>Christmas, 1918</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Christmas_Box"><b>Christmas Box, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Christmas_Greeting"><b>Christmas Greeting, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Complacent_Slacker"><b>Complacent Slacker,The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Constant_Beauty"><b>Constant Beauty</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Creed"><b>Creed, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Discovery_of_a_Soul"><b>Discovery of a Soul, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Do_Your_All"><b>Do Your All</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Drafted"><b>Drafted</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Duty"><b>Duty</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Easy_Service"><b>Easy Service</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Envy"><b>Envy</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Everywhere_in_America"><b>Everywhere in America</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Exempt"><b>Exempt</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Fathers_Prayer"><b>Father's Prayer, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Fathers_Thoughts"><b>Father's Thoughts, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Fathers_Tribute"><b>Father's Tribute, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Flag"><b>Flag, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Flag_on_the_Farm"><b>Flag on the Farm, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Fly_a_Clean_Flag"><b>Fly a Clean Flag</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Follow_a_Famous_Father"><b>Follow a Famous Father</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Follow_the_Flag"><b>Follow the Flag</b></a><br /> +<a href="#For_Your_Boy_and_Mine"><b>For Your Boy and Mine</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Friendly_Greeting"><b>Friendly Greeting, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#From_Laughter_to_Labor"><b>From Laughter to Labor</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Future"><b>Future, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#General_Pershing"><b>General Pershing</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Girl_He_Left_Behind"><b>Girl He Left Behind, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Glory_of_Age"><b>Glory of Age, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Gold_Givers"><b>Gold Givers, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Good_Luck"><b>Good Luck</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Good_Soldier"><b>Good Soldier, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Hate"><b>Hate</b></a><br /> +<a href="#He_Should_Meet_a_Mother_There"><b>He Should Meet a Mother There</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Here_We_Are"><b>Here We Are!</b></a><br /> +<a href="#His_Room"><b>His Room</b></a><br /> +<a href="#His_Santa_Claus"><b>His Santa Claus</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Honor_Roll"><b>Honor Roll, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Hope"><b>Hope</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Ideals"><b>Ideals</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Important_Thing"><b>Important Thing, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Joy_to_Be"><b>Joy to Be, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#July_the_Fourth_1917"><b>July the Fourth, 1917</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Kelly_Ingram"><b>Kelly Ingram</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Lifes_Slacker"><b>Life's Slacker</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Living"><b>Living</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Memorial_Day"><b>Memorial Day</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Mother_Faith"><b>Mother Faith, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Mother_on_the_Sidewalk"><b>Mother on the Sidewalk, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Mothers_and_Wives"><b>Mothers and Wives</b></a><br /> +<a href="#My_Part"><b>My Part</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_New_Year"><b>New Year, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Next_of_Kin"><b>Next of Kin</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Our_Duty_to_Our_Flag"><b>Our Duty to Our Flag</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Out_of_It_All"><b>Out of It All</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Over_Here"><b>Over Here</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Patriot"><b>Patriot, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Patriotic_Creed"><b>Patriotic Creed, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Patriotic_Wish"><b>Patriotic Wish, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Plea"><b>Plea, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Prayer"><b>Prayer, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Prayer_1918"><b>Prayer, 1918, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Princess_Pats"><b>Princess Pats, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Proof_of_Worth"><b>Proof of Worth, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Prophecy"><b>Prophecy</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Rebellion"><b>Rebellion</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Reflection"><b>Reflection</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Runner_McGee"><b>Runner McGee</b></a><br /> +<a href="#See_It_Through"><b>See It Through</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Selfishness"><b>Selfishness</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Show_the_Flag"><b>Show the Flag</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Soldier_on_Crutches"><b>Soldier on Crutches, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Soldierly"><b>Soldierly</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Spring_in_the_Trenches"><b>Spring in the Trenches</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Struggle"><b>Struggle, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Sympathy"><b>Sympathy</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Taking_His_Place"><b>Taking His Place</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Thanksgiving"><b>Thanksgiving</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Things_That_Make_a_Soldier_Great"><b>Things That Make a Soldier Great, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Thoughts_of_a_Soldier"><b>Thoughts of a Soldier</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Time_for_Deeds"><b>Time for Deeds, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#To_a_Kindly_Critic"><b>To a Kindly Critic</b></a><br /> +<a href="#To_a_Lady_Knitting"><b>To a Lady Knitting</b></a><br /> +<a href="#To_the_Men_at_Home"><b>To the Men at Home</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Undaunted"><b>Undaunted, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#United"><b>United</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Unsettled_Scores"><b>Unsettled Scores, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Waiter_at_the_Camp"><b>Waiter at the Camp, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Warriors"><b>Warriors</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Wars_Homecoming"><b>War's Homecoming</b></a><br /> +<a href="#We_Need_a_Few_More_Optimists"><b>We Need a Few More Optimists</b></a><br /> +<a href="#We_Who_Stay_at_Home"><b>We Who Stay at Home</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Weve_Had_a_Letter_From_the_Boy"><b>We've Had a Letter From the Boy</b></a><br /> +<a href="#When_the_Drums_Shall_Cease_to_Beat"><b>When the Drums Shall Cease to Beat</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Why_We_Fight"><b>Why We Fight</b></a><br /> +<a href="#A_Wish"><b>Wish, A</b></a><br /> +<a href="#The_Wrist_Watch_Man"><b>Wrist Watch Man, The</b></a><br /> +<a href="#Your_Country_Needs_You"><b>Your Country Needs You</b></a><br /> +</p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;"/> + +<h2><a name="Over_Here" id="Over_Here"></a>Over Here</h2><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Pledged to the bravest and the best,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We stand, who cannot share the fray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Staunch for the danger and the test.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For them at night we kneel and pray.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be with them, Lord, who serve the truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And make us worthy of our youth!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here mother-love and father-love</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Unite in love of country now;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here to the flag that flies above,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our heads we reverently bow;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here as one people, night and day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For victory we work and pray.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor race nor creed shall difference make,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor bigot mar the zealot's plan;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We give our all for Freedom's sake,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Each man a king, each king a man.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Make us the equal, Lord, we pray</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of them who die for truth to-day!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us as gladly give our best,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us as bravely pay the price</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As they, who in the bitter test</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Meet the supremest sacrifice.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God! Wherever we are led,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us be worthy of our dead!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us not compromise the truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Let us not cringe so much in fear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That foes may whisper to our youth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That we have failed in courage here.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lord, strengthen us, that they may know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our spirits follow where they go!</span><br /> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Why_We_Fight" id="Why_We_Fight"></a><i>Why We Fight</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This is the thing we fight:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A cry of terror in the night;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A ship on work of mercy bent—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A carrier of the sick and maimed—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beneath the cruel waters sent,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And those that did it, unashamed.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A woman who had tried to fill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A mother's place; had nursed the ill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And soothed the troubled brows of pain</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And earned the dying's grateful prayers,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Before a wall by soldiers slain!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And such a poor pretext was theirs!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Old women pierced by bayonets grim</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And babies slaughtered for a whim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Cathedrals made the sport of shells,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No mercy, even for a child,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As though the imps of all the hells</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Were crazed with drink and running wild.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All this we fight—that some day when</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Good sense shall come again to men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our children's children may not read</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">This age's history thus defamed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And find we served a selfish creed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And ever be of us ashamed!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="America" id="America"></a><i>America</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God has been good to men. He gave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His Only Son their souls to save,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And then he made a second gift,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Which from their dreary lives should lift</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The tyrant's yoke and set them free</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From all who'd throttle liberty.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He gave America to men—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fashioned this land we love, and then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Deep in her forests sowed the seed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Which was to serve man's earthly need.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When wisps of smoke first upwards curled</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From pilgrim fires, upon the world</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unnoticed and unseen, began</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God's second work of grace for man.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here where the savage roamed and fought,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God sowed the seed of nobler thought;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here to the land we love to claim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The pioneers of freedom came;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here has been cradled all that's best</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In every human mind and breast.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For full four hundred years and more</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our land has stretched her welcoming shore</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To weary feet from soils afar;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Soul-shackled serfs of king and czar</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have journeyed here and toiled and sung</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And talked of freedom to their young,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And God above has smiled to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This precious work of liberty,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And watched this second gift He gave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The dreary lives of men to save.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now, when liberty's at bay,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And blood-stained tyrants force the fray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Worn warriors, battling for the right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Crushed by oppression's cruel might,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hear in the dark through which they grope</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America's glad cry of hope:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Man's liberty is not to die!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America is standing by!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">World-wide shall human lives be free:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America has crossed the sea!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America! the land we love!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God's second gift from Heaven above,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Builded and fashioned out of truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sinewed by Him with splendid youth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For that glad day when shall be furled</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All tyrant flags throughout the world.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For this our banner holds the sky:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That liberty shall never die.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For this, America began:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To make a brotherhood of man.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Time_for_Deeds" id="The_Time_for_Deeds"></a><i>The Time for Deeds</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have boasted our courage in moments of ease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best!</span><br /><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have challenged oppression to show us its might;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have strutted for years through the world as a race</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As though we believed we could laugh them all low.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If in honor and glory our flag is to wave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If we are to keep this—the land of the brave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Everywhere_in_America" id="Everywhere_in_America"></a><i>Everywhere in America</i></h2><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not somewhere in America, but everywhere to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where snow-crowned mountains hold their heads,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the vales where children play,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beside the bench and whirring lathe, on every</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">lake and stream</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in the depths of earth below, men share a</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">common dream—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The dream our brave forefathers had of freedom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and of right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And once again in honor's cause, they rally and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">unite.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not somewhere in America is love of country</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">found,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But east and west and north and south once</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">more the bugles sound,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And once again, as one, men stand to break</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">their brother's chains,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And make the world a better place, where only</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">justice reigns.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The patriotism that is here, is echoed over there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The hero at a certain post is on guard everywhere.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er humble home and mansion rich the starry</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">banner flies,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And far and near throughout the land the men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of valor rise.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The flag that flutters o'er your home is fluttering</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">far away</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er homes that you have never seen. The same</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">impulses sway</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The souls of men in distant states. The red, the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">white and blue</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Means to one hundred million strong, just what</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">it means to you.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The self-same courage resolute you feel and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">understand</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is throbbing in the breasts of men throughout</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">this mighty land.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not somewhere in America, but everywhere to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For justice and for liberty all free men work</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and pray.</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Things_That_Make_a_Soldier_Great" id="The_Things_That_Make_a_Soldier_Great"></a><i>The Things That Make a Soldier Great</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To face the flaming cannon's mouth, nor ever question why,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As when behind the cause they see the little place called home.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The little garden far away, the budding apple trees,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But to the spot, where'er it be—the humble spot called home.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And only death can stop him now—he's fighting for them all.</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Flag" id="The_Flag"></a><i>The Flag</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We never knew how much the Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Could mean, until he went away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We used to boast of it and brag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As something of a by-gone day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now the Flag can start our tears</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In moments of our greatest joy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Old Glory in the sky appears</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The symbol of our little boy.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We knew that sometimes people wept</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To see the Flag go waving by,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But never guessed the griefs they kept—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We never understood just why.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now our eyes grow quickly dim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our voices choke with sobs to-day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Flag is telling us of him,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our little boy who's gone away.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We never knew the Flag could be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">So much a part of human life,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We thought it beautiful to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Before these bitter days of strife;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now more beautiful it gleams,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And deeper in our hearts it dwells;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is the emblem of our dreams,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For of our little boy it tells.</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Battle_Prayer" id="A_Battle_Prayer"></a><i>A Battle Prayer</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God of battles, be with us now:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Guard our sons from the lead of shame,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Watch our sons when the cannons flame,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let them not to a tyrant bow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God of battles, to Thee we pray:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Be with each loyal son who fights</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In the cause of justice and human rights,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grant him strength and lead the way.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God of battles, our youth we give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To the battle line on a foreign soil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To conquer hatred and lust and spoil;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grant that they and their cause shall live.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Good_Luck" id="Good_Luck"></a><i>Good Luck</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Good luck! That's all I'm saying, as you sail across the sea;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The best o' luck, in the parting, is the prayer you get from me.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May you never meet a danger that you won't come safely through,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May you never meet a German that can get the best of you;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh! A thousand things may happen when a fellow's at the front,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A thousand different mishaps, but here's hoping that they won't.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Good luck! That's all I'm saying, as you turn away to go,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Good luck and plenty of it, may it be your lot to know;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May you never meet rough weather, but remember if you do</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That the folks at home are wishing that you'll all come safely through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh! A thousand things may happen when a fellow bears the brunt</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of His Country's fight for glory, but I'm praying that they won't.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Good luck! That's all I'm saying as you're falling into line;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the splendor of your service bring you everything that's fine;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the fates deal kindly with you, may you never know distress,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And may every task you tackle end triumphant with success.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh! A thousand things may happen that with joy your life will fill;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You may not get all the gladness, but I'm hoping that you will.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Prayer_1918" id="A_Prayer_1918"></a><i>A Prayer, 1918</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, make us worthy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">God, we pray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To do thy service</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Here to-day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Endow us with</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The strength we need</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For every</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Sacrificial deed!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Change" id="The_Change"></a><i>The Change</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Twas hard to think that he must go,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We knew that we should miss him so,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We thought that he must always stay</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beside us, laughing, day by day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That he must never know the care</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And hurt and grief of life out there.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then came the call for youth, and he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Talked with his mother and with me,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And suddenly we learned the boy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Was hungering to know the joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of doing something real with life,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And that he craved the test of strife.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And so we steeled ourselves to dread;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To see at night his empty bed;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To feel the silence and the gloom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That hovers o'er his vacant room,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And though we wept the day he went,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And many a lonely hour we've spent,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've come to think as he, somehow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we are more contented now;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're proud that we can stand and say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have a boy who's gone away.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we are glad to know that he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is serving where he ought to be.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's queer, the change that time has brought:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're different now in speech and thought;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His letters home mean joy to us,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His difficulties we discuss.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When word of his promotion came,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His mother, with her eyes aflame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With happiness and pride, rushed out</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To tell the neighbors round about.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Her boy! Her boy is doing well!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What greater news can mothers tell?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I think that pity now we show</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For those who have no boys to go.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Mothers_and_Wives" id="Mothers_and_Wives"></a><i>Mothers and Wives</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mothers and wives, 'tis the call to arms</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That the bugler yonder prepares to sound;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We stand on the brink of war's alarms</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And your men may lie on a blood-stained</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">ground.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The drums may play and the flags may fly,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And our boys may don the brown and blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the call that summons brave men to die</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is the call for glorious women, too.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mothers and wives, if the summons comes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You, as ever since war has been,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must hear with courage the rolling drums</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And dry your tears when the flags are seen.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For never has hero fought and died</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who has braver been than the mother, who</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Buckled his saber at his side,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And sent him forward to dare and do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mothers and wives, should the call ring out,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It is you must answer your country's cry;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You must furnish brave hearts and stout</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For the firing line where the heroes die.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And never a corpse on the field of strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Should be honored more in his country's sight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than the noble mother or noble wife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who sent him forth in the cause of right.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mothers and wives, 'tis the call for men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To give their strength and to give their lives;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But well we know, such a summons then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is the call for mothers and loyal wives,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For you must give us the strength we need,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You must give us the boys in blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For never a boy or a man shall bleed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But a mother or wife shall suffer, too.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Call_to_Service" id="The_Call_to_Service"></a><i>The Call to Service</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">These are the days when little thoughts</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Must cease men's minds to occupy;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The nation needs men's larger creeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Big men must answer to her cry;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No longer selfish ways we tread,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The greater task lies just ahead.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">These are the days when petty things</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By all men must be thrust aside;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The country needs men's finest deeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Awakened is the nation's pride;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men must forsake their selfish strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Once more to guard their country's life.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Kelly_Ingram" id="Kelly_Ingram"></a><i>Kelly Ingram</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His name was Kelly Ingram; he was Alabama's son,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he whistled "Yankee Doodle," as he stood beside his gun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There was laughter in his make-up, there was manhood in his face,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he knew the best traditions and the courage of his race;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now there's not a heart among us but should swell with loyal pride</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he thinks of Kelly Ingram and the splendid way he died.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On the swift Destroyer Cassin he was merely gunner's mate,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But up there to-day, I fancy, he is standing with the great.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On that grim day last October his position on the craft</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Was that portion of the vessel which the sailors christen aft;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There were deep sea bombs beside him to be dropped upon the Hun</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who makes women folks his victims and then gloats o'er what he's done.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From the lookout came a warning; came the cry all sailors fear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A torpedo was approaching, and the vessel's doom was near;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ingram saw the streak of danger, but he saw a little more,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A greater menace faced them than that missile had in store;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If those deep sea bombs beside him were not thrown beneath the wave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Every man aboard the Cassin soon would find a watery grave.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It was death for him to linger, but he figured if he ran</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And quit his post of duty, 'twould be death for every man;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So he stood at his position, threw those depth bombs overboard,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when that torpedo struck them, he went forth to meet his Lord.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I don't know how to say it, but these whole United States</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Should remember Kelly Ingram—he who died to save his mates.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Joy_to_Be" id="The_Joy_to_Be"></a><i>The Joy to Be</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, mother, be you brave of heart and keep</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">your bright eyes shining;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some day the smiles of joy shall start and you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">shall cease repining.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beyond the dim and distant line the days of</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">peace are waiting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When you shall have your soldier fine, and men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">shall turn from hating.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, mother, bear the pain a-while, as long ago</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">you bore it;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You suffered then to win his smile, and you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">were happier for it;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now you suffer once again, and bear your</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">weight of sorrow;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet you shall thrill with gladness when he wins</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the glad to-morrow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, mother, when the cannons roar and all the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">brave are fighting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Remember that the son you bore the wrongs</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of earth is righting;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Remember through the hours of pain that he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">with all his brothers</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is battling there to win again a happy world</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">for mothers.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="He_Should_Meet_a_Mother_There" id="He_Should_Meet_a_Mother_There"></a><i>He Should Meet a Mother There</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If he should meet a mother there</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Along some winding Flanders road,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No extra touch of grief or care</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">He'll add unto her heavy load.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he will kindly take her arm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And tender as her son will be;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He'll lead her from the path of harm</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Because of me.</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be she the mother of his foe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">He will not speak to her in hate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My boy will never stoop so low</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As motherhood to desecrate.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But she shall know what once I knew—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Eyes that are glorious to see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The light of manhood shining through—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Because of me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will salute her as they meet,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And stand before her bare of head;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If she be hungry, she may eat</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His last remaining bit of bread.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She'll find those splendid arms and strong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Quick to assist her, tenderly,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And they will guard her from all wrong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Because of me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I miss his thoughtful, loving care;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I miss his smile these dreary days;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But should he meet a mother there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Helpless and lost in war's grim maze,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She need not fear to take his arm,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As though she'd reared him at her knee;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My son will shield her from all harm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Because of me.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Fathers_Tribute" id="A_Fathers_Tribute"></a><i>A Father's Tribute</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I don't know what they'll put him at, or what</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">his post may be;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I cannot guess the task that waits for him across</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the sea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I have known him through the years, and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">when there's work to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I know he'll meet his duty well, I'll swear that</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">he'll be true.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I sometimes fear that he may die, but never that</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">he'll shirk;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If death shall want him death must go and take</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">him at his work;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This splendid sacrifice he makes is filled with</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">terrors grim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I have many thoughts of fear, but not one</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">fear of him.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The foe may rob my life of joy, the foe may</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">take my all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And desolate my days shall be if he shall have to</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">fall.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But this I know, whate'er may be the grief that</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">I must face,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Upon his record there will be no blemish of</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">disgrace.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His days have all been splendid days, there lies</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">no broken trust</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Along the pathway of his youth to molder in</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the dust;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Honor and truth have marked his ways, in him</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">I can be glad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is as fine and true a son as ever a father had.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Runner_McGee" id="Runner_McGee"></a><i>Runner McGee</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">(Who had "Return if Possible" Orders.)</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You've heard a good deal of the telephone</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">wires," he said as we sat at our ease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And talked of the struggle that's taking men's</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">lives in these terrible days o'er the seas,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But I've been through the thick of the thing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and I know when a battle's begun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It isn't the phone you depend on for help. It's</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the legs of a boy who can run.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"It isn't because of the phone that I'm here.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">To-day you are talking to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because of the grit and the pluck of a boy. His</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">title was Runner McGee.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We were up to our dead line an' fighting alone;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">some plan had miscarried, I guess,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the help we were promised had failed to</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">arrive. We were showing all signs of</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">distress.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Our curtain of fire was ahead of us still, an'</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">theirs was behind us an' thick,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' there wasn't a thing we could do for ourselves—the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">few of us left had to stick.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You haven't much chance to get central an' talk</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">on the phone to the music of guns;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gettin' word to the chief is a matter right then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">that is up to the fellow who runs.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I'd sent four of 'em back with the R. I. P.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">sign, which means to return if you can,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But none of 'em got through the curtain of fire;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">my hurry call died with the man.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then Runner McGee said he'd try to get through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">I hated to order the kid</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On his mission of death; thought he'd never get</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">by, but somehow or other he did.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Yes, he's dead. Died an hour after bringing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">us word that the chief was aware of our plight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' for us to hang on to the ditch that we held;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the reserves would relieve us at night.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then we stuck to our trench an' we stuck to our</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">guns; you know how you'll fight when you know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That new strength is coming to fill up the gaps.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">There's heart in the force of your blow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"It wasn't till later I got all the facts. They</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">wanted McGee to remain.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They begged him to stay. He had cheated death</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">once an' was foolish to try it again.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'R. I. P. are my orders,' he answered them all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">'an' back to the boys I must go;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Four of us died comin' out with the news. It</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">will help them to know that you know.'"</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Girl_He_Left_Behind" id="The_Girl_He_Left_Behind"></a><i>The Girl He Left Behind</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We used to think her frivolous—you know how</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">parents are,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A little quick to see the faults and petty flaws</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">that mar</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The girl their son is fond of and may choose</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">to make his wife,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A little overjealous of the one who'd share his</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">life;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the girl he left behind him when he bravely</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">marched away</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Has blossomed into beauty that we see and need</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">to-day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She was with us at the depot, and we turned our</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">backs a-while,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And her eyes were sad and misty, though she</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">tried her best to smile.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then she put her arm round mother, and it</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">seemed to me as though</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They just grew to love each other, for they</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">shared a common woe.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now she often comes to see us, and it seems</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">to me we find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A heap of solid comfort in the girl he left behind.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"She's so sensible and gentle," mother said last</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">night to me,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The kind of girl I've often wished and prayed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">his wife would be.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I like to have her near us, for she understands</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">my sighs</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I see my brave boy smiling when I look into</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">her eyes."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now the presence of his sweetheart seems to fill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">our home with joy.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She's no longer young and flighty—she's the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">girl who loves our boy.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Patriotic_Creed" id="A_Patriotic_Creed"></a><i>A Patriotic Creed</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To serve my country day by day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At any humble post I may;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To honor and respect her Flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To live the traits of which I brag;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To be American in deed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As well as in my printed creed.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To stand for truth and honest toil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To till my little patch of soil</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And keep in mind the debt I owe</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To them who died that I might know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My country, prosperous and free,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And passed this heritage to me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I must always in trouble's hour</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be guided by the men in power;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For God and country I must live,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My best for God and country give;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No act of mine that men may scan</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must shame the name American.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To do my best and play my part,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">American in mind and heart;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To serve the flag and bravely stand</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To guard the glory of my land;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To be American in deed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant me strength to keep this creed.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="His_Room" id="His_Room"></a><i>His Room</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His room is as it used to be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Before he went away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The walls still keep the pennants he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Brought home but yesterday.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The picture of his baseball team</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Still holds its favored spot,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And oh, it seems a dreadful dream</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">This age of shell and shot!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His golf clubs in the corner stand;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His tennis racket, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That once the pressure of his hand</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In times of laughter knew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is in the place it long has kept</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For us to look upon.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The room is as it was, except</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The boy, himself, has gone.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The pictures of his girls are here,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Still smiling as of yore,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And everything that he held dear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is treasured as before.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into his room his mother goes</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As usual, day by day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And cares for it, although she knows</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our boy is far away.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We keep it as he left it, when</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">He bade us all good-bye,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though I confess that, now and then,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We view it with a sigh.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For never night shall thrill with joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor day be free from gloom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Until once more our soldier boy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall occupy his room.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Envy" id="Envy"></a><i>Envy</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's a bigger thing you're doing than the most of us have done;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have lived the days of pleasure; now the gray days have begun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And upon your manly shoulders fall the burdens of the strife;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yours must be the sacrifices of the trial time of life.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I don't know how to say it, but I'll never think of you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Without wishing I were sharing in the work you have to do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have never known a moment that was fraught with real care,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Save the hurts and griefs of sorrow that all mortals have to bear;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With the gay and smiling marchers I have tramped on pleasant ways,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And have paid with feeble service for the gladness of my days.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But to you has come a summons, yours are days of sacrifice,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And for all life has of sweetness you must pay a bitter price.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men have fought and died before me, men must fight and die to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have merely taken pleasures for which others had to pay;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have been a man of laughter, there's no path my feet have made,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have merely been a marcher in life's gaudy dress parade.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But you wear the garb of service, you have splendid deeds to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You shall sound the depths of manhood, and my boy, I envy you.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="For_Your_Boy_and_Mine" id="For_Your_Boy_and_Mine"></a><i>For Your Boy and Mine</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your dream and my dream is not that we shall rest,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But that our children after us shall know life at its best;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For all we care about ourselves—a crust of bread or two,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A place to sleep and clothes to wear is all that we'd pursue.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We'd tramp the world on sunny days, both light of heart and mind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And give no thought to days to come or days we leave behind.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your dream and my dream is not that we shall play,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But that our children after us shall tread a merry way.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We brave the toil of life for them, for them we clamber high,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if 'twould spare them hurt and pain, for them we'd gladly die.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If we had but ourselves to serve, we'd quit the ways of pride</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with the simplest joys of earth we'd all be satisfied.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The best for them is what we dream. Our little girls and boys</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must know the finest life can give of comforts and of joys.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They must be shielded well from woe and kept secure from care,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if we could, upon our backs, their burdens we would bear.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And so once more we rise to-day to face the battle zone</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That those who follow us may know the Flag that we have known.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your dream and my dream is not that we shall live;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The greatest joys we hope to claim are those that we shall give.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We face the heat and strife of life, its battle and its toil</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That those who follow us may know the best of freedom's soil.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if we knew that by our death we'd keep that flag on high,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For your boy and my boy, how gladly we would die.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Soldierly" id="Soldierly"></a><i>Soldierly</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The glory of a soldier—and a soldier's not a saint—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is the way he does his duty without grumbling or complaint;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His work's not always pleasant, but he does it rain or shine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he grabs a bit of glory when he's fighting in the line;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the lesson that he teaches every day to me an' you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is the way to do a duty that we do not like to do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Any sort o' chap can whistle when his work is mostly fun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A hundred want the pleasant jobs to every sturdy one</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That'll grab the dreary duty an' the mean an' lowly task,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or the drab an' cheerless service that life often has to ask;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But somebody has to do it, an' the test of me an' you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is the way we face the labor that we do not like to do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now, it isn't very pleasant standin' guard out in the rain</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But it's in the line o' duty, an' no soldier will complain,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' there isn't any soldier but what sometimes hates his work</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When the dress parade is over, an' perhaps he'd like to shirk,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he's there to follow orders, not to pick an' choose his post,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' he sometimes shines the finest at the job he hates the most.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let's be soldiers in the struggle, let's be loyal through and through;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life is going to give us duties that perhaps we'll hate to do.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There'll be little sacrifices that we will not like to make,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There'll be many tasks unpleasant that will fall to us to take.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' although we all would rather do the work that brings applause,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let's forget our whims and fancies an' just labor for the cause.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Alarm" id="The_Alarm"></a><i>The Alarm</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Get off your downy cots of ease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">There's work that must be done.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Great danger's riding on the seas.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The storm is coming on.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't think that it will quickly pass.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who smiles at distant fate,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And waits until it strikes, alas!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Has roused himself too late.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who thinks the fight will end before</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The need of him arrives,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is lengthening this brutal war</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And costing many lives.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For over us that storm shall break</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Ere many weeks have fled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we shall pay for our mistake</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In fields of mangled dead.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be ready when the foe shall near,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Be there to strike him hard;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us, though he be miles from here,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Be standing now on guard.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-morrow's victories won't be won</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By pluck that we display</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-morrow when the foe comes on,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But by our work to-day.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Boy_Enlists" id="The_Boy_Enlists"></a><i>The Boy Enlists</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His mother's eyes are saddened, and her cheeks</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">are stained with tears,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I'm facing now the struggle that I've</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">dreaded through the years;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the boy that was our baby has been changed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">into a man.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's enlisted in the army as a true American.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He held her for a moment in his arms before</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">he spoke,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I watched him as he kissed her, and it</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">seemed to me I'd choke,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For I knew just what was coming, and I knew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">just what he'd done!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Another little mother had a soldier for a son.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When we'd pulled ourselves together, and the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">first quick tears had dried,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We could see his eyes were blazing with the fire</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of manly pride;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We could see his head was higher than it ever</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">was before,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For we had a man to cherish, and our baby was</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">no more.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I don't know how to say it! With the sorrow</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">comes the joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That there isn't any coward in the make-up of</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">our boy.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with pride our hearts are swelling, though</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">with grief they're also hit,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the boy that was our baby has stepped</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">forth to do his bit,</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Mother_Faith" id="The_Mother_Faith"></a><i>The Mother Faith</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little mother, life's adventure calls your boy away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet he will return to you on some brighter day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dry your tears and cease to sigh, keep your mother smile,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brave and strong he will come back in a little while.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little mother, heed them not—they who preach despair—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You shall have your boy again, brave and oh, so fair!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life has need of him to-day, but with victory won,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Safely life shall bring to you once again your son.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little mother, keep the faith: not to death he goes;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Share with him the joy of worth that your soldier knows.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is giving to the Flag all that man can give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if you believe he will, surely he will live.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little mother, through the night of his absence long,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Never cease to think of him—brave and well and strong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You shall know his kiss again, you shall see his smile,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For your boy shall come to you in a little while.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Thoughts_of_a_Soldier" id="Thoughts_of_a_Soldier"></a><i>Thoughts of a Soldier</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Since men with life must purchase life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And some must die that more may live,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto the Great Cashier of strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A fine accounting let me give.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Perhaps to-morrow I shall stand</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Before his cage, prepared to buy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">New splendor for my native land:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oh, God, then bravely let me die!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If after I shall fall, shall rise</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A fairer land than I have known,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I shall not grudge my sacrifice,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Although I pay the price alone.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If still more beautiful to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The Stars and Stripes o'er men shall wave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And finer shall my country be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To-morrow let me find my grave.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-night life seems so fair and sweet,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Yet tyranny is stalking here,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And hate and lust and foul deceit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Hang heavy on the atmosphere.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Injustice seeks to throttle right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And laughter's stifled to a sigh.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If death can take so great a blight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From human lives, then let me die.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If death must be the cost of life,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And freedom's terms are human souls,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into the thickest of the strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then let me go to pay the tolls.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I would enrich my native land,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">New splendor to her flag I'd give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If where I fall shall freedom stand,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And where I die shall freedom live.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-morrow death with me may trade;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Let me not quibble o'er the price;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But may I, once the bargain's made,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With courage meet the sacrifice.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If happiness for ages long</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">My little term of life can buy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God, for my country make me strong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To-morrow let me bravely die.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Flag_on_the_Farm" id="The_Flag_on_the_Farm"></a><i>The Flag on the Farm</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've raised a flagpole on the farm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And flung Old Glory to the sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it's another touch of charm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That seems to cheer the passer-by,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But more than that, no matter where</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We're laboring in wood and field,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We turn and see it in the air,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our promise of a greater yield.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It whispers to us all day long</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From dawn to dusk: "Be true, be strong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who falters now with plough or hoe</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gives comfort to his country's foe."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It seems to me I've never tried</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To do so much about the place,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor been so slow to come inside,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But since I've got the Flag to face,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each night when I come home to rest</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I feel that I must look up there</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And say: "Old Flag, I've done my best,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To-day I've tried to do my share."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And sometimes, just to catch the breeze,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I stop my work, and o'er the trees</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Old Glory fairly shouts my way:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You're shirking far too much to-day!"</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The help have caught the spirit, too;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The hired man takes off his cap</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Before the old red, white and blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then to the horses says: "Giddap!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And starting bravely to the field</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">He tells the milkmaid by the door:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"We're going to make these acres yield</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">More than they've ever done before."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She smiles to hear his gallant brag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then drops a curtsey to the Flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in her eyes there seems to shine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A patriotism that is fine.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'We've raised a flagpole on the farm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And flung Old Glory to the sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're far removed from war's alarm,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But courage here is running high.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're doing things we never dreamed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We'd ever find the time to do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Deeds that impossible once seemed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Each morning now we hurry through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Flag now waves above our toil</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And sheds its glory on the soil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And boy and man look up to it</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As if to say: "I'll do my bit!"</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Mother_on_the_Sidewalk" id="The_Mother_on_the_Sidewalk"></a><i>The Mother on the Sidewalk</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The mother on the sidewalk as the troops are marching by</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is the mother of Old Glory that is waving in the sky.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men have fought to keep it splendid, men have died to keep it bright,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But that flag was born of woman and her sufferings day and night;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis her sacrifice has made it, and once more we ought to pray</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the brave and loyal mother of the boy that goes away.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are days of grief before her, there are hours that she will weep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are nights of anxious waiting when her fear will banish sleep;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She has heard her country calling and has risen to the test,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And has placed upon the altar of the nation's need, her best.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And no man shall ever surfer in the turmoil of the fray</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The anguish of the mother of the boy who goes away.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You may boast men's deeds of glory, you may tell their courage great,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But to die is easier service than alone to sit and wait,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I hail the little mother, with the tear-stained face and grave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who has given the Flag a soldier—she's the bravest of the brave.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And that banner we are proud of, with its red and blue and white</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is a lasting tribute holy to all mothers' love of right.</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Big_Deeds" id="The_Big_Deeds"></a><i>The Big Deeds</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We are done with little thinking and we're done with little deeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We are done with petty conduct and we're done with narrow creeds;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have grown to men and women, and we've noble work to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to-day we are a people with a larger point of view.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a big way we must labor, if our Flag shall always fly.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a big way some must suffer, in a big way some must die.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There must be no little dreaming in the visions that we see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There must be no selfish planning in the joys that are to be;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'We have set our faces eastwards to the rising of the sun</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That shall light a better nation, and there's big work to be done.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the petty souls and narrow, seeking only selfish gain,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall be vanquished by the toilers big enough to suffer pain.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's a big task we have taken; 'tis for others we must fight.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must see our duty clearly in a white and shining light;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must quit our little circles where we've moved in little ways,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And work, as men and women, for the bigger, better days.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must quit our selfish thinking and our narrow views and creeds.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as people, big and splendid, we must do the bigger deeds.</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Wrist_Watch_Man" id="The_Wrist_Watch_Man"></a><i>The Wrist Watch Man</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is marching dusty highways and he's riding bitter trails,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His eyes are clear and shining and his muscles hard as nails.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is wearing Yankee khaki and a healthy coat of tan,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the chap that we are backing is the Wrist Watch Man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's no parlor dude, a-prancing, he's no puny pacifist,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it's not for affectation there's a watch upon his wrist.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's a fine two-fisted scrapper, he is pure American,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the backbone of the nation is the Wrist Watch Man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is marching with a rifle, he is digging in a trench,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is swapping English phrases with a poilu for his French;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You will find him in the navy doing anything he can,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For at every post of duty is the Wrist Watch Man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, the time was that we chuckled at the soft and flabby chap</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who wore a little wrist watch that was fastened with a strap.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the chuckles all have vanished, and with glory now we scan</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The courage and the splendor of the Wrist Watch Man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is not the man we laughed at, not the one who won our jeers,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's the man that we are proud of, he's the man that owns our cheers;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's the finest of the finest, he's the bravest of the clan,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I pray for God's protection for our Wrist Watch Man.</span><br /> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Follow_the_Flag" id="Follow_the_Flag"></a><i>Follow the Flag</i></h2><br /><br /> + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Aye, we will follow the Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wherever she goes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into the tropic sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Into the northern snows;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Go where the guns ring out</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Scattering steel and lead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Painting the hills with blood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Strewing the fields with dead.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But in each heart must be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And back of each bitter gun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Love for the best in life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">After the fighting's done.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Aye, we will follow the Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Into benighted lands,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brave in the faith for which,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Proudly, our banner stands.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life for her life we'll pay,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Blood for her blood we'll give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fighting, but not to kill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Save that the best shall live.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, when the cannon's roar</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Dies in a hymn of peace,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Justice and truth must reign,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Power of the brute must cease.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Aye, we will follow the Flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Gladly her work we'll do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Banishing wrongs of old,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Founding the truth anew.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What though our guns must speak,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">What though brave men must die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ages of truth to come</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">All this shall justify.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men in the charms of peace,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Basking in Freedom's sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some day shall bless our Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">After our work is done.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Aye, we will follow the Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wherever she goes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into the tropic sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Into the northern snows.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fearlessly, on we'll go</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Into the cruel strife,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gladly the few shall die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Winning for many, life.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tyranny's wrongs must cease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Brutes must no longer brag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This is our work on earth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">So we will follow the Flag.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Weve_Had_a_Letter_From_the_Boy" id="Weve_Had_a_Letter_From_the_Boy"></a><i>We've Had a Letter From the Boy</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've had a letter from the boy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And oh, the gladness and the joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It brought to us! We read it o'er</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd say a dozen times or more.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We laughed until the teardrops fell</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At all the fun he had to tell.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's in the navy, wearing blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And everything is all so new</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That he can see in youthful style</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The funny things to make us smile.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's working hard! Between the lines</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We gather that. The brass he shines</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Without complaining, and the food</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He gets to eat is very crude.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet he laughs at all his chores.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He says the maid who scrubs our floors</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will have to quit when he returns</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unless a better way she learns.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I've got it on the fairer sex,"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Says he, "since I am swabbing decks."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"A sailor's life, dear Mom," writes he,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Is not the life you picked for me.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet I'm getting fat and strong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And learning as I go along</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That any life a man can find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is apt to grow to be a grind</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unless a fellow has the wit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To see the brighter side of it.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't worry for your sailor son;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He sleeps well when his work is done."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've had a letter from the boy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And oh, the gladness and the joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It brought to us! 'Twas good to know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That he is facing duty so.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Between the lines that he had penned</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His mother's bitter fears to end,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I saw his manhood glowing bright,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now I know his heart is right.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Behind the laughter I could see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My boy's the man I'd hoped he'd be.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Exempt" id="Exempt"></a><i>Exempt</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They have said you needn't go to the front to face the foe;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They have left you with jour women and your children safe at home;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They have spared you from the crash of the murderous guns that flash</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the horrors and the madness and the death across the foam.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But it's your fight, just the same, and your country still must claim</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The splendor of your manhood and the best that you can do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a thousand different ways through the dark and troubled days,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You must stand behind the nation that has been so good to you.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You're exempt from shot and shell, from the havoc and the hell</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That have robbed the world of gladness; you have missed the sterner fate</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of the brave young men and fine, that are falling into line,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You may stay among your children who are swinging on the gate.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But you're not exempt from love of the Flag that flies above,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You've a greater obligation to your country to be true;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You must work from day to day in a bigger, better way</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For the glory of the nation that has been so good to you.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You are not exempt from trial, from long days of self-denial,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From devotion to your homeland and from courage in the test.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You are not exempt from giving to your country's needs and living</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As a citizen and soldier—an example of the best.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You've a harder task before you than the boys who're fighting for you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You must match their splendid courage and devotion through and through;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You must prove by fine endeavor, and by standing constant ever</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That you're worthy of the country that has been so good to you.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Duty" id="Duty"></a><i>Duty</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We know not where the path may lead nor what the end may be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The clouds are dark above us now, the future none can see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet when all the storms have passed, and cannons cease to roar,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall be prouder of our flag than we have been before.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We could not longer idle stay, spectators of a wrong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The weak were crying out for help against oppression strong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And though we pray we may be spared the bitterness of strife,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Twere better that we die than live the coward's feeble life.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We could not longer silent sit, our glory at an end,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And blind ourselves unto the wrongs committed by a friend;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must be tolerant with all, yet in these days of hate,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some things have happened that it would be shame to tolerate.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now we stand before the world, erect and calm and grave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And speak the words that decency must rule the land and wave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into the chaos of despair we fling ourselves to-day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As guardians of a precious trust hate must not sweep away.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must rejoice, if we are men, not weak and soft of heart</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That we have heeded duty's call, and taken up our part.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when at last sweet peace shall come, and all the strife is o'er,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall be prouder of our flag than we have been before,</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Prayer" id="A_Prayer"></a><i>A Prayer</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant to us the strength of men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The patience of the brave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The wisdom to be silent, when</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The days with doubt are grave.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When dangers come, as come they must,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Throughout the trying hours</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let us continue still to trust</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That triumph shall be ours.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have foresworn our days of ease</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To battle for the right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To venture over troubled seas</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oppression's wrongs to fight.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we have pledged ourselves to grief,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And bitter hurt and pain,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then must we cling to this belief:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We suffer not in vain.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant to us the strength of men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">God help us to be true</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Until that glorious morning when</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The world shall smile anew.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall be tested sore and tried,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And flayed by many fears,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet let us in this faith abide,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That right shall rule the years.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Sympathy" id="Sympathy"></a><i>Sympathy</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One came to the house with a pretty speech:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"It's all for the best," said he,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I know that he sought my heart to reach,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And I know that he grieved with me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I was too full of my sorrow then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To list to his words or care;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though I've tried I cannot recall again</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The comfort he gave me there.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But another came, and his lips were dumb</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As he grasped me by the hand,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he stammered: "Old man, I had to come,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Oh, I hope you'll understand."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And ever since then I have felt his hand</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Clasped tightly in my own,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to-day his silence I understand—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">My sorrowing he had known.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Hate" id="Hate"></a><i>Hate</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They say we must not hate, nor fight in hate.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I've thought it over many a solemn hour,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And cannot mildly view the man or state</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That has no thought, save only to be great;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I cannot love the creature drunk with power.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I hate the hand that slaughters babes at sea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I hate that will that orders wives to die.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">And there is something rises up in me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When brutes run wild in crime and lechery</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That soft adjustments will not satisfy.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men seldom fight the things they do not hate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A vice grows strong on mildly tempered scorn;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rank thrives the weed the gardeners tolerate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You cannot stroke the snake that lies in wait,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And change his nature with to-morrow's morn.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If roses are to bloom, the weeds must go;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Vice be dethroned if virtue is to reign;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Honor and shame together cannot grow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Sin either conquers or we lay it low,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wrong must be hated if the truth remain.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I hold that we must fight this war in hate—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In bitter hate of blood in fury spilled;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of children, bending over book and slate,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Slaughtered to make a Prussian despot great;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In hate of mothers pitilessly killed.</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In hate of liars plotting wars for gain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In hate of crimes too black for printed page;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In hate of wrongs that mark the tyrant's reign—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And crush forever all within his train.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Such hate shall be the glory of our age.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="General_Pershing" id="General_Pershing"></a><i>General Pershing</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He isn't long on speeches. At the banquet table, he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Could name a dozen places where he would much rather be.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's not one for fuss and feathers or for marching in review,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he's busy every minute when he's got a job to do.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And you'll find him in the open, fighting hard and fighting square</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the glory of his country when his boys get over there.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He has listened to the cheering of the splendid folks of France,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he knows that he's the leader of America's advance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he knows his task is mighty and that words will not avail,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So he's standing to his duty, for he isn't there to fail.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And you'll find him cool and steady when the guns begin to flare,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he'll talk in deeds of glory when his boys get over there.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He has gone to face the fury of the Prussian hordes that sweep</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er the fertile fields of Freedom, where the forms of heroes sleep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it seems no time for talking or for laughter or for cheers,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With the wounded all about him and their moaning in his ears.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is waiting for to-morrow, waiting there to do his share,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he'll strike a blow for freedom when his boys get over there.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Better_Thing" id="The_Better_Thing"></a><i>The Better Thing</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is better to die for the flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For its red and its white and its blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than to hang back and shirk and to lag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And let the flag sink out of view.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is better to give up this life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the heat and the thick of the strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than to live out your days 'neath a sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where Old Glory shall never more fly.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The peace that we long for will be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Far worse than the war that we dread</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If never again we're to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The blue, and the white and the red</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Wind-tossed and sun-kissed in the skies.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If ever the Stars and Stripes dies</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or loses its lustre and pride,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall wish in our souls we had died.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is better by far that we die</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Than that flag shall pass out of the world;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If ever it ceases to fly,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">If ever it's hauled down and furled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dishonor shall stamp us with shame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And freedom be naught but a name,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the few years of dearly-bought breath</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will be filled with worse horrors than death.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="To_a_Lady_Knitting" id="To_a_Lady_Knitting"></a><i>To a Lady Knitting</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little woman, hourly sitting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something for a soldier knitting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What in fancy can you see?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Many pictures come to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Through the stitch that now you're making:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I behold a bullet breaking;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I can see some soldier lying</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In that garment slowly dying,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And that very bit of thread</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In your fingers, turns to red.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gray to-day; perhaps to-morrow</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Crimsoned by the blood of sorrow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It may be some hero daring</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall that very thing be wearing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he ventures forth to give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life that other men may live.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He may braver wield the saber</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As a tribute to your labor,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And for that, which you have knitted,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Better for his task be fitted.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When the thread has left your finger,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something of yourself may linger,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something of your lovely beauty</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May sustain him in his duty.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some one's boy that was a baby</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Soon shall wear it, and it may be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will write and tell his mother</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of the kindness of another,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And her spirit shall caress you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And her prayers at night shall bless you.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You may never know its story,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Cannot know the grief or glory</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That are destined now and hover</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Over him your wool shall cover,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor what spirit shall invade it</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Once your gentle hands have made it.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little woman, hourly sitting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something for a soldier knitting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis no common garb you're making,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">These, no common pains you're taking.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something lovely, holy, lingers</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er the needles in your fingers</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with every stitch you're weaving</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Something of yourself you're leaving.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From your gentle hands and tender</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There may come a nation's splendor,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And from this, your simple duty,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life may win a fairer beauty.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Good_Soldier" id="A_Good_Soldier"></a><i>A Good Soldier</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He writes to us most every day, and how his letters thrill us!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I can't describe the joys with which his quaint expressions fill us.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He says the military life is not of his selection,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's only soldiering to-day to give the Flag protection.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But since he's in the army now and doing duties humble,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He'll do what all good soldiers must, and he will never grumble.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's not so keen for standing guard, a lonely vigil keeping,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But when I must," he writes to us, "they'll never find me sleeping!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I hear a lot of boys complain about the tasks they set us</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And there's no doubt that mother's meals can beat the ones they get us,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But since I'm here to do my bit, close to the job I'm sticking;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'll take whatever comes my way and waste no word in kicking.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I'd like to be a captain, dad, a major or a colonel,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to get my picture in some illustrated journal;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I don't exactly fancy jobs that now and then come my way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Like picking bits of rubbish up that desecrate the highway.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But still I'll do those menial tasks as cheerfully as could one,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For while I am a private here I'm going to be a good one.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"A soldier's life is not the way I'd choose to make my living,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now I'm in the ranks to serve, my best to it I'm giving.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I could name a dozen jobs that I'd consider finer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But since I've got this one to do I'll never be a whiner.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'm just a private in the ranks, but take it from my letter,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They'll never fire your son for one who'll do his duty better."</span><br /><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="His_Santa_Claus" id="His_Santa_Claus"></a><i>His Santa Claus</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will not come to him this year with all his old-time joy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An imitation Santa Claus must serve his little boy;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Last year he heard the reindeers paw the roof above his head,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as he dreamed the kindly saint tip-toed about his bed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But Christmas Eve he will not come by any happy chance;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This year his kindly Santa Claus must guard a trench in France.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His mother bravely tries to smile; last Christmas Eve was gay;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Last Christmas morn his daddy rose at dawn with him to play;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This year he'll hang his stocking by the chimney, but the hands</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That filled it with the joys he craved now serve in foreign lands.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is too young to understand his mother's troubled glance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he that was his Santa Claus is in a trench in France.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Somewhere in France this Christmas Eve a soldier brave will be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all that night in fancy he will trim a Christmas tree;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all that night he'll live again the joys that once he had</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he was good St. Nicholas unto a certain lad.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he will wonder if his boy, by any sad mischance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will find his stocking empty just because he serves in France.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Show_the_Flag" id="Show_the_Flag"></a><i>Show the Flag</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag and let it wave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As a symbol of the brave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let it float upon the breeze</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As a sign for each who sees</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That beneath it, where it rides,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Loyalty to-day abides.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag and signify</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That it wasn't born to die;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let its colors speak for you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That you still are standing true,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">True in sight of God and man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To the work that flag began.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag that all may see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That you serve humanity.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let it whisper to the breeze</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That comes singing through the trees</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That whatever storms descend</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You'll be faithful to the end.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag and let it fly,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Cheering every passer-by—Men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">that may have stepped aside,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May have lost their old-time pride,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May behold it there, and then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Consecrate themselves again.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag! The day is gone</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When men blindly hurry on</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Serving only gods of gold;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now the spirit that was cold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Warms again to courage fine.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Show the flag and fall in line!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Honor_Roll" id="The_Honor_Roll"></a><i>The Honor Roll</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The boys upon the honor roll, God bless them all, I pray!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God watch them when they sleep at night, and guard them through the day.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've stamped their names upon our walls, the list in glory grows,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our brave boys and our splendid boys who stand to meet our foes.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, here are sons of mothers fair and fathers fine and true,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The little ones of yesterday, the children that we knew;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We thought of them as youngsters gay, still laughing at their games,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And then we found the honor roll emblazoned with their names.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We missed their laughter and their cheer; it seems but yesterday</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We had them here to walk with us, and now they've marched away.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And here where once their smiles were seen we keep a printed scroll;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The absent boy we long to see is on the honor roll.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So quickly did the summons come we scarcely marked the change,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One day life marched its normal pace, the next all things seemed strange,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when we questioned where they were, the sturdiest of us all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We saw the silent honor roll on each familiar wall.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The laughter that we knew has gone; the merry voice of youth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No longer rings where graybeards sit, discussing sombre truth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No longer jests are flung about to rouse our weary souls,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For they who meant so much to us are on our honor rolls.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Princess_Pats" id="The_Princess_Pats"></a><i>The Princess Pats</i></h2><br /><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A touch of the plain and the prairie,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A bit of the Motherland, too;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A strain of the fur-trapper wary,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A blend of the old and the new;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A bit of the pioneer splendor</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That opened the wilderness' flats,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A touch of the home-lover, tender,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You'll find in the boys they call Pats.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The glory and grace of the maple,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The strength that is born of the wheat,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The pride of a stock that is staple,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The bronze of a midsummer heat;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A blending of wisdom and daring,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The best of a new land, and that's</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The regiment gallantly bearing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The neat little title of Pats.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A bit of the man who has neighbored</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With mountains and forests and streams,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A touch of the man who has labored</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To model and fashion his dreams;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The strength of an age of clean living,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of right-minded fatherly chats,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The best that a land could be giving</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is there in the breasts of the Pats.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="July_the_Fourth_1917" id="July_the_Fourth_1917"></a><i>July the Fourth, 1917</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Time was the cry went round the world:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">America for freedom speaks,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A new flag is to-day unfurled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An eagle on the mountain shrieks,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A king is failing on his throne,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A race of men defies his power!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And no one could have guessed or known</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The burden of that splendid hour.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A bell rang out that summer day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And men and women stood and heard;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That tongue of brass had more to say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Than could be spoken by a word.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It spoke the thoughts of honest men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It whispered Destiny's intents</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And rang a warning loudly then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To Kings of all the continents.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The old bell in its holy loft</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where pigeons nest, has ceased to swing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet through many a day and oft</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A weary people hear it sing.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That hour long years ago, when first</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">America for freedom fought,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The bonds of slavery were burst:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That hour began the reign of thought.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here comes another summer day:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">America is on the sea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America has dared to say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That other people shall be free.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No selfish stain her banner mars,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Her flag, for truth and right, unfurled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With every stripe and all its stars</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Still speaks its message to the world</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Out where the soldiers fight for men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Out where, for others, heroes die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Out where they storm the Tyrant's den,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The Starry Banner lights the sky.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And once again the cry goes out</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That brings the flush of hope to cheeks</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Grown pale by bitter war and doubt:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"America for Freedom speaks."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Spring_in_the_Trenches" id="Spring_in_the_Trenches"></a><i>Spring in the Trenches</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's coming time for planting in that little patch of ground,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where the lad and I made merry as he followed me around;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The sun is getting higher, and the skies above are blue,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I'm hungry for the garden, and I wish the war were through.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">But it's tramp, tramp, tramp,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">And it's never look behind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">And when you see a stranger's kids,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">Pretend that you are blind.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The spring is coming back again, the birds begin to mate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The skies are full of kindness, but the world is full of hate.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it's I that should be bending now in peace above the soil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With laughing eyes and little hands about to bless the toil.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">But it's fight, fight, fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">And it's charge at double-quick;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">A soldier thinking thoughts of home</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">Is one more soldier sick.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Last year I brought the bulbs to bloom and saw the roses bud;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This year I'm ankle deep in mire, and most of it is blood.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Last year the mother in the door was glad as she could be;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-day her heart is full of pain, and mine is hurting me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">But it's shoot, shoot, shoot,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">And when the bullets hiss,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Don't let the tears fill up your eyes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">For weeping soldiers miss.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, who will tend the roses now and who will sow the seeds?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And who will do the heavy work the little garden needs?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And who will tell the lad of mine the things he wants to know,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And take his hand and lead him round the paths we used to go?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">For it's charge, charge, charge,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">And it's face the foe once more;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Forget the things you love the most</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5.5em;">And keep your mind on war.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Bigger_Than_His_Dad" id="Bigger_Than_His_Dad"></a><i>Bigger Than His Dad</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He has heard his country calling, and has fallen into line,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And he's doing something bigger than his daddy ever did;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He has caught a greater vision than the finest one of mine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And I know to-day I'm prouder of than sorry for the kid.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His speech is soft and vibrant with the messages of truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And he says some things of duty that I cannot understand;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It may be that I'm selfish, but this ending of his youth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is not the dream I cherished and it's not the thing I planned.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I only know he's bigger in his uniform to-day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Than I, who stand and watch him as he drills, have ever been;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That he sees a greater vision of life's purpose far away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And a finer goal to die for than my eyes have ever seen.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I wish I felt as he does, wish I had his sense of right;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With the vision he possesses I should be supremely glad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I sometimes start to choking when I think of him at night—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The boy that has grown bigger, yes, and better than his dad.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Boys_Adventure" id="The_Boys_Adventure"></a><i>The Boy's Adventure</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Dear Father," he wrote me from Somewhere in France,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where he's waiting with Pershing to lead the advance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"There's little the censor permits me to tell</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Save the fact that I'm here and am happy and well.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The French people cheered as we marched from our ship</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At the close of a really remarkable trip;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They danced and they screamed and they shouted and ran,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I blush as I write. I was kissed by a man!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I've seen a great deal since I bade you good-bye,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have witnessed a battle far up in the sky;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have heard the dull roar of a long line of guns,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And seen the destruction that's worked by the Huns;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some scenes I'll remember, and some I'll forget,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the welcome he gave me! I'm feeling it yet.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, try to imagine your boy if you can,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As he looked and he felt, being kissed by a man!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"'Ah, Meestaire!' he cried in a voice that was shrill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And his queer little eyes with delight seemed to fill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And before I was wise to the custom, or knew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Just what he was up to, about me he threw</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His arms, and he hugged me, and then with a squeak,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He planted a chaste little kiss on each cheek.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was stocky and strong and his whiskers were tan.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now please keep it dark. I've been kissed by a man."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Out_of_It_All" id="Out_of_It_All"></a><i>Out of It All</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Out of it all shall come splendor and gladness;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Out of the madness and out of the sadness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Clearer and finer the world shall arise.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Why then keep sorrow and doubt in your eyes?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Joy shall be ours when the warfare is over;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Children shall gleefully romp in the clover;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here with our heroes at home and at rest,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall rejoice with the world at its best.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not in vain, not in vain, is our bright banner flying;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not for naught are the sons of our fond mothers dying;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The gloom and despair are not ever to last;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world shall be better when they shall have passed.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So mourn not his absence, but smile and be brave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You shall have him again from the brink of the grave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a wonderful world 'neath a wonderful sun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He shall come to your arms with his victory won.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Christmas_Box" id="The_Christmas_Box"></a><i>The Christmas Box</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we have shipped his Christmas box with ribbons red 'tis tied,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he shall find the things he likes from them he loves inside,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he must miss the kisses true and all the laughter gay</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he must miss the smiles of home upon his Christmas Day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He'll spend his Christmas 'neath the Flag; he'll miss each merry face,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Old Glory smiling down on him must take his mother's place,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet in the Christmas box we've sent, in fancy he will find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The laughter and the tears of joy that he has left behind.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His mother's tenderness is there, his father's kindly way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all that went last year to make his merry Christmas Day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He'll see once more his sister's smile, he'll hear the baby shout,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as he opens every gift we'll gather round about.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He cannot come to share with us the joys of Christmas Day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Flag has called to him, and he is serving far away.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Undaunted, unafraid and fine he stands to duty grim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And so this Christmas we have tried to ship ourselves to him.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Plea" id="A_Plea"></a><i>A Plea</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant me these: the strength to do</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Some needed service here;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The wisdom to be brave and true;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The gift of vision clear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That in each task that comes to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some purpose I may plainly see.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God teach me to believe that I</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Am stationed at a post,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Although the humblest 'neath the sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where I am needed most,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And that, at last, if I do well,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My humble services will tell.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant me faith to stand on guard,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Uncheered, unspoke, alone,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And see behind such duty hard</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">My service to the throne.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whate'er my task, be this my creed:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I am on earth to fill a need.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Your_Country_Needs_You" id="Your_Country_Needs_You"></a><i>Your Country Needs You</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The country needs a man like you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It has a task for you to do.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It has a job for you to face.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Somewhere for you it has a place.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not all the slackers dodge the work</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of service where the cannon lurk,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not all the slackers on life's stage</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are boys of military age.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The old, the youthful and unfit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must also do their little bit.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The country needs a man like you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Twill suffer if you prove untrue.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What though you cannot bear a gun?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That isn't all that's to be done.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are a thousand other ways</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To serve your country through the days</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of trial and the nights of storm.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You need not wear a uniform</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or with the men in council sit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To serve the Flag and do your bit.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Somewhere for you there is a place,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Somewhere you have a task to face.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There's none so helpless or so frail</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That cannot, when our foes assail,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In some way help our common cause</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And be deserving of applause.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Behind the Flag we all must be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each at his post, awake to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That in so far as he has striven,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His best was to his country given.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can be patient, brave and strong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And not complain when plans go wrong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can be cheerful at your toil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or till, perhaps, some patch of soil;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can encourage others who</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have heavier, greater tasks to do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can be loyal, not in creed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Alone, but in each thought and deed;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can make sacrifices, too.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The country needs a man like you,</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Creed" id="A_Creed"></a><i>A Creed</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To keep in mind from day to day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I'm a soldier in the fray;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I must serve, from sun to sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As well as he who bears a gun</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The flag that flies above us all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And answer well my Country's call.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I must not for one hour forget</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto the Stars and Stripes my debt.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Twas spotless on' my day of birth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when at last I quit this earth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Old Glory still must spotless be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For all who follow after me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At some post where my work will fit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I must with courage do my bit;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some portion of myself I'd give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That freedom and the Flag may live.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in some way I want to feel</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I am doing service real.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I must in all I say and do</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Respect the red, the white and blue',</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor dim with petty deeds of shame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The splendor of Old Glory's fame;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I must not let my standards drag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For my disgrace would stain the Flag.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Struggle" id="The_Struggle"></a><i>The Struggle</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life is a struggle for peace,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A longing for rest,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A hope for the battles to cease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A dream for the best;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he is not living who stays</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Contented with things,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unconcerned with the work of the days</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And all that it brings.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is dead who sees nothing to change,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No wrong to make right;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who travels no new way or strange</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In search of the light;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who never sets out for a goal</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That he sees from afar</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But contents his indifferent soul</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With things as they are.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life isn't rest—it is toil;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It is building a dream;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is tilling a parcel of soil</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or bridging a stream;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's pursuing the light of a star</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That but dimly we see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in wresting from things as they are</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The joy that should be.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="As_It_Looks_to_the_Boy" id="As_It_Looks_to_the_Boy"></a><i>As It Looks to the Boy</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His comrades have enlisted, but his mother bids him stay,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His soul is sick with coward shame, his head hangs low to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His eyes no longer sparkle, and his breast is void of pride</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I think that she has lost him though she's kept him at her side.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I'm sorry for the mother, but I'm sorrier for the lad</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who must look on life forever as a hopeless dream and sad.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He must fancy men are sneering as they see him walk the street,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will feel his cheeks turn crimson as his eyes another's meet;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the boys and girls that knew him as he was but yesterday,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will not seem to smile upon him, in the old familiar way.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will never blame his mother, but when he's alone at night,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His thoughts will flock to tell him that he isn't doing right.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I'm sorry for the mother from whose side a boy must go,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the strong desire to keep him that she feels, I think I know,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the boy that she's so fond of has a life to live on earth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he hungers to be busy with the work that is of worth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He will sicken and grow timid, he'll be flesh without a heart</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Until death at last shall claim him, if he doesn't do his part.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have you kept him, gentle mother? Has he lost his old-time cheer?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is he silent, sad and sullen? Are his eyes no longer clear?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is he growing weak and flabby who but yesterday was strong?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then a secret grief he's nursing and I'll tell you what is wrong.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All his comrades have departed on their country's noblest work,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he hungers to be with them—it is not his wish to shirk.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Fly_a_Clean_Flag" id="Fly_a_Clean_Flag"></a><i>Fly a Clean Flag</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This I heard the Old Flag say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As I passed it yesterday:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Months ago your friendly hands</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fastened me on slender strands</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with patriotic love</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Placed me here to wave above</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You and yours. I heard you say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On that long departed day:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Flag of all that's true and fine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Wave above this house of mine;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be the first at break of day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the last at night to say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To the world this word of cheer:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Loyalty abideth here.'</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Here on every wind that's blown,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">O'er your" portal I have flown;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Rain and snow have battered me,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Storms at night have tattered me;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dust of street and chimney stack</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Day by day have stained me black,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I've watched you passing there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Wondering how much you care.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have you noticed that your flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is to-day a wind-blown rag?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Has your love so careless grown</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">By the long neglect you've shown</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That you never raise your eye</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To the symbol that you fly?"</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Flag, on which no stain has been,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis my sin that you're unclean,"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then I answered in my shame.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"On my head must lie the blame.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now with patriotic hands</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I release you from your strands,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And a spotless flag shall fly</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here to greet each passer-by.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nevermore shall Flag of mine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be a sad and sorry sign</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Telling all who look above</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I neglect the thing I love.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But my Flag of faith shall be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Fit for every eye to see."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="To_a_Kindly_Critic" id="To_a_Kindly_Critic"></a><i>To a Kindly Critic</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's wrong to believe in the land that we love</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And to pray for Our Flag to the good God above;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's wrong to believe that Our Country is best;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That honor's her standard, and truth is her crest;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If placing her first in our prayers and our song</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is false to true reason, we're glad to be wrong.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's wrong to wish victory day after day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the troops of Our Country now marching away;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's wrong to believe they are moved by the right</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And not by the love and the lure of the fight;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If to cheer them to battle and bid them be strong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is false to right thinking, then let us be wrong.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's wrong to believe in America's dreams</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of a freedom on earth that's as real as it seems;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it's error to cherish the hope, through and through,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That the Stars in Old Glory's immaculate blue</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall shine through the ages, true beacons to men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We pray that no right phrase shall flow from our pen.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Wars_Homecoming" id="Wars_Homecoming"></a><i>War's Homecoming</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We little thought how much they meant—the bleeding hearts of France,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And British mothers wearing black to mark some troop's advance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The war was, O, so distant then, the grief so far away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We couldn't see the weeping eyes, nor hear the women pray.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We couldn't sense the weight of woe that rested on that land,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now our boy is called to go—to-day, we understand.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There, some have heard the blackest news that o'er the wires has sped,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And some are living day by day beneath the clouds of dread;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some fear the worst; some know the worst, but every heart is chilled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And every soul is sorrow touched and laughter there is stilled.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There, old folks sit alone and grieve and pray for peace to come,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now our little boy has heard the summons of the drum.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Their grief was such a distant thing, we made it fruit for speech.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We never thought in days of old such pain our hearts would reach.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We talked of it, as people do of sorrow far aloof,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor dreamed such care would ever dwell beneath our happy roof.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But England's woes are ours to-day, we share the sighs of France;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our little boy is on the sea with Death to take his chance.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Next_of_Kin" id="Next_of_Kin"></a><i>Next of Kin</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I notice when the news comes in</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of one who's claimed eternal glory,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This simple phrase, "the next of kin,"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Concludes the soldier's final story.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This tells the world what voice will choke,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What heart that bit of shrapnel broke,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What father or what mother brave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will think of Flanders as a grave.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The next of kin," the cable cold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Wastes not a precious word in telling,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet cannot you and I behold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The sorrow in some humble dwelling,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And cannot you and I perceive</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The brave yet lonely mother grieve</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And picture, when that news comes in,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The anguish of "the next of kin?"</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For every boy in uniform,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Another soldier brave is fighting;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A double rank the cannons storm,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Two lines the cables are uniting,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with the hurt each soldier feels,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At home the other warrior reels;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Two suffer, freedom's cause to win:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The soldier and "the next of kin."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, next of kin, be brave, be strong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As brave as was the boy that's missing;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The years will many be and long</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That you will hunger for his kissing.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet he enlisted you with him</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To share war's bitter price and grim;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Your service runs through many years</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because your name with his appears.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="See_It_Through" id="See_It_Through"></a><i>See It Through</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are many to cheer when the battle begins</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">There are many to shout for the right;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are many to rail at the world and its sins</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But few have the grit for the fight.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are thousands to start with a rush for the fray</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When the fighting seems easy to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But when danger is present and rough is the way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The few have to see the job through.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is easy to quit with a battle unwon,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It is hard to press on to success;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is easy to stop with a purpose undone,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It is hard to encounter distress.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And many will march when the roadway is clear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the glorious goal is in view,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the many, too often, when dangers appear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Aren't willing to see the fight through.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They weaken in spirit when trials grow great,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They flinch at the clashing of steel;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They talk of the strength of the foe at the gate</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And whine at the hurts that they feel.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They begin to regret having ventured for right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They sigh that they dared to be true,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They haven't the heart they once had for the fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They don't want to see the job through.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have set out to battle for justice and truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We have fearful disasters to meet;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall weep for the best of our manliest youth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We shall suffer the pangs of defeat.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But let us stand firm for the cause that we plead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Let the many be brave with the few;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The cry of the quitter let none of us heed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Till we've done what we started to do.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Hope" id="Hope"></a><i>Hope</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mine is a song of hope</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">For the days that lie before;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For the grander things</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The morrow brings</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">When the struggle days are o'er.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dark be the clouds to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Bitter the winds that blow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But falter nor fail,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Through the howling gale—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Comes peace in the afterglow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mine is the song of hope,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">A song for the mother here,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who lulls to rest</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The babe at breast,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">And hopes for a brighter year.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hope is the song she sings,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Hope is the prayer she prays;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As she rocks her boy,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">She dreams of the joy</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">He'll bring in the future days.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mine is the song of hope,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">A song for the father, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Whose right arm swings,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">While his anvil sings</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">A song of the journey through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hope is the star that guides,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Hope is the father's sun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Far ahead he sees,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Through the waving trees,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Sweet peace when his work is done.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mine is the song of hope,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Of hope that sustains us all;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Be we young or old,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Be we weak or bold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Do we falter or even fall,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brightly the star of hope</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">From the distance is shining still;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And with courage new</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We rise to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">For hope is the God of Will.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Gold_Givers" id="The_Gold_Givers"></a><i>The Gold Givers</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, some shall stand in glory's light when all the strife is done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And many a mother there shall say, "For truth I gave my son!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I shall stand in silence then and hear the stories brave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For I must answer at the last that gold is all I gave.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When all this age shall pass away, and silenced are the guns,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When sweethearts join their loves again, and mothers kiss their sons,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When brave unto the brave return, and all they did is told,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How pitiful my gift shall seem, when all I gave is gold.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When we are asked what did you then, when all the world was red,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And some shall say, "I fell in France," and some, "I mourned my dead;"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With all the brave assembled there in glory long to live,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How trivial our lives shall seem who had but gold to give.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Undaunted" id="The_Undaunted"></a><i>The Undaunted</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He tried to travel No Man's Land, that's guarded well with guns,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He tried to race the road of death, where never a coward runs.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now he's asking of his doctor, and he's panting hard for breath,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How soon he will be ready for another bout with death.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You'd think if you had wakened in a shell hole's slime and mud</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That was partly dirty water, but was mostly human blood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And you had to lie and suffer till the bullets ceased to hum</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the night time dropped its cover, so the stretcher boys could come—</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You'd think if you had suffered from a fever and its thirst,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And could hear the "rapids" spitting and the high explosives burst,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And had lived to tell that story—you could face our fellow men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the little peaceful village, though you never fought again.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You'd think that once you'd fallen in the shrapnel's deadly rain,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Once you'd shed your blood for honor, you had borne your share of pain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Once you'd traveled No Man's country, you'd be satisfied to quit</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And be invalided homeward, and could say you'd done your bit.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he's lying, patched and bandaged, very white and very weak,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he's trying to be cheerful, though it's agony to speak;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He is pleading with the doctor, though he's panting hard for breath,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To return him to the trenches for another bout with death.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Discovery_of_a_Soul" id="The_Discovery_of_a_Soul"></a><i>The Discovery of a Soul</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>The proof of a man is the danger test</i>,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;"><i>That shows him up at his worst or best</i>.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He didn't seem to care for work, he wasn't much at school.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His speech was slow and commonplace—you wouldn't call him fool.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet until the war broke out you'd calmly pass him by,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For nothing in his make-up or his way would catch your eye.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He seemed indifferent to the world, the kind that doesn't care—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That's satisfied with just enough to eat and drink and wear;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That doesn't laugh when others do or cry when others weep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But seems to walk the wakeful world half dormant and asleep;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then came the war, and soldiers marched and drums began to roll,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And suddenly we realized his body held a soul.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We little dreamed how much he loved his Country and her Flag;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">About the glorious Stars and Stripes we'd never heard him brag.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he was first to volunteer, while brilliant men demurred,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He took the oath of loyalty without a faltering word,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And then we found that he could talk, for one remembered night,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There came a preaching pacifist denouncing men who fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he got up in uniform and looked at him and said:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I wonder if you ever think about our soldiers dead.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">All that you are to-day you owe some soldier in his grave;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If he had been afraid to fight, you still would be a slave."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If he had died a year ago beneath a peaceful sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unjust our memory would have been; of him our tongues would lie.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We should have missed his splendid worth, we should have called him frail</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And listed him among the weak and sorry men who fail.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But few regrets had marked his end; he would have passed unmourned—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Perhaps by those who knew him best, indifferently scorned.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now he stands among us all, eyes bright and shoulders true,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A strong defender of the faith; a man with work to do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if he dies, his name shall find its place on history's scroll;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The great chance has revealed to men the splendor of his soul.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Here_We_Are" id="Here_We_Are"></a><i>Here We Are!</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, Britain! the finest and best of us</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Taking our coats off and rolling our sleeves,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Answering the thoughtless that once made a jest of us,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each man a soldier for what he believes.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, tight little island, in unity!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tell us the job that you want us to do!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You can depend on us all with impunity.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Give us a task and we'll all see it through.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, France! every Yankee born man of us</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Coming to stand by your side in the fight;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Liberty's cause makes a whole-hearted clan of us.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, willing to die for the right.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Silently, long from our shores we've admired you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Secretly proud of the pluck you've displayed.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Brothers we are of the love that inspired you;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now we are coming, full front, to your aid.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, Allies! make room in your trenches!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shoulder to shoulder we'll share in each drive.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are! quitting our lathes and our benches,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bringing our best that our best shall survive.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are! Liberty's children, red-blooded,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Coming to share in the struggle with you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ready to die for the Flag that's star-studded;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tell us the work that you want us to do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What is it, fighting or building you're needing?</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Boring a mountain or bridging a stream,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Steel work and real work? Your call we are heeding.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each of us here is a man with a dream.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are! tacklers of tough jobs and dangers,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Any old post where you put us we'll fit;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Coming to serve you as brothers, not strangers;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here we are, Allies! to offer our bit!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="We_Who_Stay_at_Home" id="We_Who_Stay_at_Home"></a><i>We Who Stay at Home</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When you were just our little boy, on many a night we crept</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto your cot and watched o'er you, and all the time you slept.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We tucked the covers round your form and smoothed your pillow, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And sometimes stooped and kissed your cheeks, but that you never knew.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Just as we came to you back then through many a night and day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our spirits now shall come to you—to kiss and watch and pray.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whenever you shall look away into God's patch of sky</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To think about the folks at home, we shall be standing by.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as we prayed and watched o'er you when you were wrapped in sleep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So through your soldier danger now the old-time watch we'll keep.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You will not know that we are there, you will not see or hear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But all the time in prayer and thought we shall be very near.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world has made of you a man; the work of man you do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But unto us you still remain the baby that we knew;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we shall come, as once we did, on wondrous wings of prayer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And you will never know how oft in spirit we are there.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We'll stand beside your bed at night, in silence bending low,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all the love we gave you then shall follow where you go.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we were proud of you back then, but we are prouder now;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We see the stamp of splendor God has placed upon your brow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we who are the folks at home shall pray the old time prayer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And ask the God of Mercy to protect you with His care.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as we came to you of old, although you never knew,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The hearts of us, each day and night, shall come with love to you.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Do_Your_All" id="Do_Your_All"></a><i>Do Your All</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Do your bit!" How cheap and trite</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Seems that phrase in such a fight!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Do your bit!" That cry recall,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Change it now to "Do your all!"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do your all, and then do more;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do what you're best fitted for;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do your utmost, do and give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You have but one life to live.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do your finest, do your best,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't let up and stop to rest,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't sit back and idly say:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I did something yesterday."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come on! Here's another hour,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Give it all you have of power.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here's another day that needs</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Everybody's share of deeds.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Do your bit!" of course, but then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do it time and time again;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Giving, doing, all should be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Up to full capacity.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now's no time to pick and choose,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We've a war we must not lose.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be your duty great or small,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do it well and do it all.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do by careful, patient living,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do by cheerful, open giving;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do by serving day by day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At whatever post you may;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do by sacrificing pleasure,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Do by scorning hours of leisure.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now to God and country give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Every minute that you live.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Future" id="The_Future"></a><i>The Future</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The worst is yet to come:"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So wail the doubters glum,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But here's the better view:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My best I've yet to do."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The worst some always fear;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-morrow holds no cheer,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet farther on life's lane</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are joys you shall attain.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Go forward bravely, then,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And play your part as men,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For this is ever true:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Our best we've yet to do."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Fathers_Prayer" id="A_Fathers_Prayer"></a><i>A Father's Prayer</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I sometimes wonder when I read the sorrow in his face</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If I shall wear that look of care when time has marched apace?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My little boy is five years old and his is twenty-one;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My little boy is home with me; his boy to war has gone.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I can laugh and dance with life, and I can gayly jest,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But heavy is the heart to-day that beats within his breast.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Time was, his boy was five years old; time was he smiled as I;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I wonder what awaits for me when youth has journeyed by?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Last night I sat at home and watched my little boy at play,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all the time I thought of him whose boy has gone away.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in the joy that I possessed I prayed in silence then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That God would quickly bring him back his little boy again.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Glory_of_Age" id="The_Glory_of_Age"></a><i>The Glory of Age</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"What is the glory of age?" I said,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"A hoard of gold and a few dear friends?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When you've reached the day that you look ahead</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And see the place where your journey ends,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When Time has robbed you of youthful might—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What is the secret of your delight?"</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And an old man smiled as he answered me:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">"The glory of age isn't gold or friends,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When we've reached the valley of Soon-To-Be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And note the place where our journey ends;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The glory of age, be it understood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is a boy out there who is making good.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"The greatest joy that can come to man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When his sight is dim and his hair is gray;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The greatest glory that God can plan</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To cheer the lives of the old to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When they share no more in the battle yell,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is a boy out there who is doing well."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Beautifying_the_Flag" id="Beautifying_the_Flag"></a><i>Beautifying the Flag</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To us the Flag has little meant.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Each glorious stripe of red</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Was woven there to represent</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The blood of heroes dead.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">On some dim, distant battle line</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By other men were gained</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The glories that have made it fine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And idle we've remained.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now the Flag shall finer grow</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And ages yet to be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall find the courage that we show</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To-day for liberty.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of other men the Flag has told;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It flies for others' deeds;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Its pride is born of heroes bold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who served its by-gone needs.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now our blood shall mingle there</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With blood of patriots dead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And through the years each stripe shall wear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A deeper, truer red.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The splendor of the flag shall gleam</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In every radiant star,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And finer shall the banner seem</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Because of what we are.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-day new glory for the Flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We give our best to build;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of us shall future ages brag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">By us their blood be thrilled;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as to us the flag has meant</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The greatness of the past,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Stars and Stripes shall represent</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our courage to the last.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The children in the years to be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our trials shall discuss,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And cheer the emblem of the free,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In part, because of us.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="To_the_Men_at_Home" id="To_the_Men_at_Home"></a><i>To the Men at Home</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No war is won by cannon fire alone;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The soldier bears the grim and dreary role;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He dies to serve the Flag that he has known;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His duty is to gain the distant goal.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But if the toiler in his homeland fair</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Falter in faith and shrink from every test,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If he be not on duty ever there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Lost to the cause is every soldier's best.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The men at home, the toiler in the shop,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">The keen-eyed watcher of the spinning drill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hear no command to vault the trench's top;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">They know not what it is to die or kill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet they must be brave and constant, too.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Upon them lies their precious country's fate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They also serve the Flag as soldiers do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">'Tis theirs to make a nation's army great.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You hold your country's honor in your care.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Her glory you shall help to make or mar;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For they, who now her uniforms must wear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Can be no braver soldiers than you are.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From day to day, in big and little deeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">At bench or lathe or desk or stretch of soil,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You are the man your country sorely needs!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Will you not give to her your finest toil?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No war is won by cannon fire alone.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The men at home must also share the fight.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">By what they are, a nation's strength is shown,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The army but reflects their love of right.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will you not help to hold our battle line,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Will you not give the fullest of your powers</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In sacrifice and service that is fine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That victory shall speedily be ours?</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="From_Laughter_to_Labor" id="From_Laughter_to_Labor"></a><i>From Laughter to Labor</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have wandered afar in our hunting for pleasure,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have scorned the soul's duty to gather up treasure;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have lived for our laughter and toiled for our winning</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And paid little heed to the soul's simple sinning.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But light were the burdens that freighted us then,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God and country, to-day let us prove we are men!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have idled and dreamed in life's merriest places,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The years have writ little of care in our faces;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have brought up our children, expectant of gladness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And little we've taught them of life and its sadness.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For distant and dim seemed the forces of wrong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God and country, to-day let us prove we are strong!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have had our glad years, now the sad years are coming,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have danced to gay tunes, now we march to war's drumming.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have laughed and have loved as we pleasantly toiled,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And now we must show that our souls are unspoiled.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must work that our Flag shall in honor still wave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God and country, to-day let us prove we are brave!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="United" id="United"></a><i>United</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Forgotten petty difference now,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The larger purpose glows,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The storm is here, a common fear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Its deadly lightning shows.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Ship of State must bear us all</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And danger makes us kin,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As one, we all shall rise or fall,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">So shall we strive to win.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our banner's flying at the mast,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our course lies straight ahead;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The ocean's trough is deep and rough,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The waves are stained with red.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The bond of danger tighter grows,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We serve a common plan;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Send o'er the sea the word that we</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Are all American.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One hundred million sturdy souls</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Once more united stand,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As one, you will find them all behind</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The banner of our land.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And side by side they work to-day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In silken garb or rag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And once again our troops of men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Are brothers of the flag.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And from the storm that hovers low,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And from the angry sea</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where dangers lurk and hate's at work.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall come new victory.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The flag shall know not race nor creed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor different bands of men;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A people strong round it shall throng</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To ne'er divide again.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="April_Thoughts" id="April_Thoughts"></a><i>April Thoughts</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Listen to the laughter of the brook that's racin' by!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Listen to the chatter of the black-birds on the fence!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Stand an' see the beauties of the blue that's in the sky—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then ask of God why mortals haven't any better sense</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Than to quarrel an' to battle</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where the guns an' cannon rattle</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An' to slaughter one another an' to fill the world with hate.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God brings the buds to blossom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where the gentle breezes toss 'em</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An' the soul is blind to beauty that takes anger for its mate.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Listen to the singin' of the robins in the trees!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">See the sunbeams flashin' where they're mirrored by the stream!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hear the drowsy buzzin' of the honey-seekin' bees,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Then draw a little closer to your God the while you dream.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When the world is dressed to cheer you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't you feel Him standin' near you?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When your soul drinks in the beauty of the wonders in His plan,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">An' you've put away your passions,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't you think the works He fashions</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In their beauty an' their bigness mock the littleness of man?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, I never walk an orchard nor a field with daisies strewn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An' I never stand bare-headed gazin' everywhere about</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At the living joys around me, be it morning, night or noon,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But I ask God to forgive me that I ever held a doubt.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Surely men must walk in blindness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With the whole world tuned to kindness,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An' all dumb an' feathered creatures fairly bubblin' o'er with glee</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To devote themselves to madness</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That can only end in sadness</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An' to think that they are being what God put them here to be.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Chaplain" id="The_Chaplain"></a><i>The Chaplain</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was just a small church parson when the war broke out, and he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Looked and dressed and acted like all parsons that we see.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He wore the cleric's broadcloth and he hooked his vest behind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he had a man's religion and he had a strong man's mind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he heard the call to duty, and he quit his church and went,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he bravely tramped right with 'em everywhere the boys were sent.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He put aside his broadcloth and he put the khaki on;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Said he'd come to be a soldier and was going to live like one.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then he refereed the prize fights that the boys pulled off at night,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And if no one else was handy he'd put on the gloves and fight.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He wasn't there a fortnight ere he saw the soldiers' needs,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he said: "I'm done with preaching; this is now the time for deeds."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He learned the sound of shrapnel, he could tell the size of shell</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From the shriek it make above him, and he knew just where it fell.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the front line trench he labored, and he knew the feel of mud,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he didn't run from danger and he wasn't scared of blood.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He wrote letters for the wounded, and he cheered them with his jokes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he never made a visit without passing round the smokes.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then one day a bullet got him, as he knelt beside a lad</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who was "going west" right speedy, and they both seemed mighty glad,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Cause he held the boy's hand tighter, and he smiled and whispered low,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Now you needn't fear the journey; over there with you I'll go."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And they both passed out together, arm in arm I think they went.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He had kept his vow to follow everywhere the boys were sent.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="My_Part" id="My_Part"></a><i>My Part</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I may never be a hero, I am past the limit now,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are pencil marks of silver Time has left upon my brow;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I shall win no service medals, I shall hear no cannons' roar,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I shall never fight a battle higher up than eagles soar,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I hope my children's children may recall my name with pride</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As a man who never whimpered when his soul was being tried.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For the fighting and the dying for the everlasting truth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are the labors designated for the strongest of our youth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the man that's nearing forty isn't asked to march away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For there is no place in battle for the head that's turning gray.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His test is one of patience till the bitter work is done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He must back his country's leaders till the victory is won.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When this bitter time is ended I don't want to have it said</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I faltered in my courage and I never looked ahead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I don't want it told I added to the burdens and the woe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">By preaching dismal doctrines that were cheering to the foe;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I want my children's children to respect me and to find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That my soul was out there fighting, though my body stayed behind.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When this cruel test is over and the boys come back from France</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd not have them say I hindered for a moment their advance;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That they found their duty harder than 'twas needful it should be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because of the complaining of a lot of men like me.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though I'll win no hero's medals and deserve no wild applause,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I want to be of service, not a hindrance to the cause.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Call" id="The_Call"></a><i>The Call</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some will heed the call to arms,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But all must heed the call to grit;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The dreamers on the distant farms</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Must rally now to do their bit.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The whirring lathes in factories great</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Will sing the martial songs of strife;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Upon the emery wheel of fate</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We're grinding now the nation's life.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The call is not alone to guns,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">This is not but a battle test;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world has summoned free men's sons</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In every field to do their best.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The call has come to every man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To reach the summit of his powers;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To stand to service where he can;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A mighty duty now is ours.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must be stalwarts in the field</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where peace has always kept her throne,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No door against the need is sealed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No man to-day can live alone.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The young apprentice at the bench,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The wise inventor, old and gray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Serve with the soldier in the trench,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">All warriors for the better day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, man of science, unto you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The call for service now has come!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mechanic, banker, lawyer, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Have you not heard the stirring drum?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, humble digger in the ditch,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Bend to your spade and do your best,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And prove America is rich</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In manhood fine for every test.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each man beneath the starry flag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Must live his noblest through the strife</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If tyranny is not to drag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Into the mire the best of life.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though some will wear our uniform,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We face to-day a common fate</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And all must bravely breast the storm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And heed the call for courage great.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Thanksgiving" id="Thanksgiving"></a><i>Thanksgiving</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For strength to face the battle's might,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For men that dare to die for right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For hearts above the lure of gold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">And fortune's soft and pleasant way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For courage of our days of old,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Great God of All, we kneel and pray.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We thank Thee for our splendid youth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who fight for liberty and truth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Within whose breasts there glows anew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">The glory of the altar fires</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Which our heroic fathers knew—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">God make them worthy of their sires!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We thank Thee for our mothers fair</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who through the sorrows they must bear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Still smile, and give their hearts to woe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Yet bravely heed the day's command—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That mothers, yet to be, may know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">A free and glorious motherland.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God, we thank Thee for the skies</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where our flag now in glory flies!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We thank Thee that no love of gain</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Is leading us, but that we fight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To keep our banner free from stain</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">And that we die for what is right.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, God, we thank Thee that we may</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Lift up our eyes to Thee to-day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We thank Thee we can face this test</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">With honor and a spotless name,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And that we serve a world distressed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">Unselfishly and free from shame.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Patriotic_Wish" id="A_Patriotic_Wish"></a><i>A Patriotic Wish</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to be the sort of man the flag could boast about;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to be the sort of man it cannot live without;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to be the type of man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That really is American:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The head-erect and shoulders-square,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Clean-minded fellow, just and fair,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That all men picture when they see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The glorious banner of the free.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to be the sort of man the flag now typifies,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The kind of man we really want the flag to symbolize;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The loyal brother to a trust,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The big, unselfish soul and just,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The friend of every man oppressed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The strong support of all that's best—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The sturdy chap the banner's meant,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where'er it flies, to represent.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to be the sort of man the flag's supposed to mean,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The man that all in fancy see, wherever it is seen;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The chap that's ready for a fight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whenever there's a wrong to right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The friend in every time of need,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The doer of the daring deed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The clean and generous handed man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That is a real American.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Patriot" id="A_Patriot"></a><i>A Patriot</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's funny when a feller wants to do his little bit,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And wants to wear a uniform and lug a soldier's kit,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And ain't afraid of submarines nor mines that fill the sea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They will not let him go along to fight for liberty</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They make him stay at home and be his mother's darling pet,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But you can bet there'll come a time when they will want me yet.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I want to serve the Stars and Stripes, I want to go and fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I want to lick the Kaiser good, and do the job up right.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I know the way to use <i>a</i> gun and I can dig a trench</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I would like to go and help the English and the French.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But no, they say, you cannot march away to stirring drums;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be mother's angel boy at home; stay there and twirl your thumbs.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I've read about the daring boys that fight up in the sky;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It seems to me that that must be a splendid way to die.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd like to drive an aeroplane and prove my courage grim</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And get above a German there and drop a bomb on him,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But they won't let me go along to help the latest drive;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They say my mother needs me here because I'm only five.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Memorial_Day" id="Memorial_Day"></a><i>Memorial Day</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The finest tribute we can pay</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto our hero dead to-day,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is not a rose wreath, white and red,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In memory of the blood they shed;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It is to stand beside each mound,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Each couch of consecrated ground,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And pledge ourselves as warriors true</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto the work they died to do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Into God's valleys where they lie</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At rest, beneath the open sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Triumphant now, o'er every foe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As living tributes let us go.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No wreath of rose or immortelles</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Or spoken word or tolling bells</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will do to-day, unless we give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our pledge that liberty shall live.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our hearts must be the roses red</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We place above our hero dead;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-day beside their graves we must</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Renew allegiance to their trust;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must bare our heads and humbly say</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We hold the Flag as dear as they,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And stand, as once they stood, to die</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To keep the Stars and Stripes on high.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The finest tribute we can pay</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unto our hero dead to-day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is not of speech or roses red,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But living, throbbing hearts instead</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That shall renew the pledge they sealed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With death upon the battlefield:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That freedom's flag shall bear no stain</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And free men wear no tyrant's chain.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Soldier_on_Crutches" id="The_Soldier_on_Crutches"></a><i>The Soldier on Crutches</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He came down the stairs on the laughter-filled grill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Where patriots were eating and drinking their fill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The tap of his crutch on the marble of white</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Caught my ear as I sat all alone there that night.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I turned—and a soldier my eyes fell upon,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He had fought for his country, and one leg was gone!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As he entered a silence fell over the place;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Every eye in the room was turned up to his face.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His head was up high and his eyes seemed aflame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With a wonderful light, and he laughed as he came.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was young—not yet thirty—yet never he made</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One sign of regret for the price he had paid.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One moment before this young soldier came in</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I had caught bits of speech in the clatter and din</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From the fine men about me in life's dress parade</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who were boasting the cash sacrifices they'd made;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I'd thought of my own paltry service with pride,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When I turned and that hero of battle I spied.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I shall never forget the hot flushes of shame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That rushed to my cheeks as that young fellow came.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was cheerful and smiling and clear-eyed and fine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And out of his face golden light seemed to shine.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I thought as he passed me on crutches:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">"How small</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are the gifts that I make if I don't give my all."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some day in the future in many a place</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">More soldiers just like him we'll all have to face.</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must sit with them, talk with them, laugh with them, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With the signs of their service forever in view</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And this was my thought as I looked at him then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">—Oh, God! make me worthy to stand with such men.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Friendly_Greeting" id="The_Friendly_Greeting"></a><i>The Friendly Greeting</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we have friends in England, and we have friends in France,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And should we have to travel there through some strange circumstance,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Undaunted we should sail away, and gladly should we go,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because awaiting us would be somebody that we know.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Full many a journey here we make where countless strangers roam,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet everywhere our faces turn we find a friend from home.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we have friends in distant towns, and friends 'neath foreign skies,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet we think of him as lost whene'er a loved one dies.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet he has merely traveled on, as many a friend must do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Within a distant city fair he waits for me and you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when shall come our time to make that journey through the gloam,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To welcome us he will be there, the smiling friend from home.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="We_Need_a_Few_More_Optimists" id="We_Need_a_Few_More_Optimists"></a><i>We Need a Few More Optimists</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We need a few more optimists,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The kind that double up their fists</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And set their jaws, determined-like,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A blow at infamy to strike.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not smiling men, who drift along</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And compromise with every wrong;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not grinning optimists who cry</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That right was never born to die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But optimists who'll fight to give</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The truth an honest chance to live.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We need a few more optimists</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For places in our fighting lists,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The kind of hopeful men who make</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Real sacrifice for freedom's sake;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The optimist, with purpose strong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who stands to battle every wrong,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Takes off his coat, and buckles in</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The better joys of earth to win!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The optimist who worries lest</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The vile should overthrow the best.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We need a few more optimists,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The brave of heart that long resists</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The force of Hate and Greed and lust</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And keeps in God and man his trust,</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Believing, as he makes his fight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That everything will end all right—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet through the dreary days and nights</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unfalteringly serves and fights,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And helps to gain the joys which he</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Believes are some day sure to be.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We need a few more optimists</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of iron hearts and sturdy wrists;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not optimists who smugly smile</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And preach that in a little while</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The clouds will fade before the sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But cheerful men who'll bear a gun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And hopeful men, of courage stout,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who'll see disaster round about</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet will keep their faith, and fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gain the victory for right.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Taking_His_Place" id="Taking_His_Place"></a><i>Taking His Place</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He's doing double duty now;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Time's silver gleams upon his brow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And there are lines upon his face</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Which only passing years can trace.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet he's turned back many a page</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Long written in the book of age,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For since their boy has marched away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This kindly father, growing gray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is doing for the mother true</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The many things the boy would do.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Just as the son came home each night</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With youthful step and eyes alight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So he returns, and with a shout</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of greeting puts her grief to rout.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He says that she shall never miss</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The pleasure of that evening kiss,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with strong arms and manner brave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He simulates the hug <i>he</i> gave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And loves her, when the day is done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Both as a husband and a son.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His laugh has caught a clearer ring;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His step has claimed the old-time swing,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And though <i>his</i> absence hurts him, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The bravest thing that he can do</span><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is just to try to take <i>his</i> place</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And keep the smiles on mother's face.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So, merrily he jests at night—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Tells her with all a boy's delight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of what has happened in the town,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And thus keeps melancholy down.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Her letters breathe of hope and cheer;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No note of gloom she sends from here,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as her husband reads at night</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The many messages she writes,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He chuckles o'er the closing line.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">She's failed his secret to divine—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"When you get home," she tells the lad,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"You'll scarcely know your doting dad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Although his hair is turning gray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He seems more like a boy each day."</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Christmas_1918" id="Christmas_1918"></a><i>Christmas, 1918</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They give their all, this Christmastide, that peace on earth shall reign;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Upon the snows of Flanders now, brave blood has left its stain;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With ribbons red we deck our gifts; theirs bear the red of pain.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They give their lives that joy shall live and little children play;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They pass that all that makes for peace shall not be swept away;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They die that children yet unborn shall have their Christmas Day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come! deck the home with holly wreaths and make this Christmas glow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And let Old Glory wave above the bough of mistletoe!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come! keep alive the faith of them who sleep 'neath Flanders snow.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ye brave of heart who dwell at home, make merry now a-while;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world has need of Christmas cheer its sorrows to beguile;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And blest is he whose love can light grief's corners with a smile.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Ring out once more, sweet Christmas bells, your message to the sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Proclaim in golden tones again to every passer-by</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That peace shall rule the lands of earth, and only war shall die.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let love's sweet tenderness relieve war's cruel crimson clutch,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Send forth the Christmas spirit, every troubled heart to touch;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Blest will be all we do for them who do for us so much.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_New_Year" id="The_New_Year"></a><i>The New Year</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Come you with dangers to fright us? or hazards</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">to try out our souls?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then may you find us undaunted; determined to</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">get to our goals.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now, white are the pages you bring us to fill</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">with the tales of our deeds,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I pray we shall square at the finish the work</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of our lives with our creeds.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, child of a year, do you wonder what here</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">upon earth you shall find?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">America shows you a people united in purpose</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and mind;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whatever you bring us of danger, whatever you</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">hold to affright,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I pray that we never shall lower our standards</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of truth and of right.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You find us a people united, full pledged to the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">work of the world,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To banish the despot and tyrant, our banner in</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">battle's unfurled;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And here to a world that is bleeding and weary</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and heartsick you come,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Whatever you've brought us of duty—we'll</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">answer the call of your drum.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We may weep in our grief and our sorrows, we</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">may bend 'neath the might of the blow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But never our courage shall falter, and never</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">we'll run from the foe.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We know not how troubled our pathways shall</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">be nor how sorely beset,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I pray we shall cling to our honor as men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and never our purpose forget.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Our_Duty_to_Our_Flag" id="Our_Duty_to_Our_Flag"></a><i>Our Duty to Our Flag</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Less hate and greed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is what we need</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And more of service true;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">More men to love</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The flag above</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And keep it first in view.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Less boast and brag</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">About the flag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">More faith in what it means;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">More heads erect,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">More self-respect,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Less talk of war machines.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The time to fight</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To keep it bright</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is not along the way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor 'cross the foam,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But here at home</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Within ourselves—to-day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis we must love</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That flag above</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With all our might and main;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For from our hands—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not distant lands—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall come dishonor's stain.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If that flag be</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dishonored, we</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Have done it—-not the foe;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If it shall fall,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We, first of all,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall have to strike the blow.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Unsettled_Scores" id="The_Unsettled_Scores"></a><i>The Unsettled Scores</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The men are talking peace at 'ome, but 'ere we're talking fight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">There's many a little debt we've got to square;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A sniper sent a bullet through my bunkie's 'ead last night,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And 'is body's lying somewhere h'over there.</span><br /><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we 'ear a lot of rumors that the war is h'almost through</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But Hi'm thinking that it's only arf begun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Every soldier in the trenches has a little debt that's due</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And Hi'm telling you it's not a money one.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We 'ave 'eard the bullets whistle and we've 'card the shrapnel sing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And we've listened to a dying comrade's pleas,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we've 'eard about the comfort that the days of peace will bring,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But we've debts that can't be settled h'over seas.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They that 'aven't slept in trenches, 'aven't brothered with the worms,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">'Aven't 'ad a bunkie slaughtered at their side,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May some day get together and arrange some sort of terms,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But it isn't likely we'll be satisfied.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are debts we want to settle, 'and to 'and, and face to face,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">There are one or two Hi've promised that Hi'd square;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And Hi cannot 'old my 'ead up, 'ere or in the other place,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Till Hi've settled for my bunkie, lying there.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Warriors" id="Warriors"></a><i>Warriors</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We all are warriors with sin. Crusading knights,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">we come to earth</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With spotless plumes and shining shields to joust</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">with foes and prove our worth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world is but a battlefield where strong and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">weak men fill the lists,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And some make war with humble prayers, and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">some with swords and some with fists.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And some for pleasure or for peace forsake their</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">purposes and goals</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And barter for the scarlet joys of ease and pomp,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">their knightly souls.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We're all enlisted soldiers here, in service for</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the term called life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And each of us in some grim way must bear his</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">portion of the strife.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Temptations everywhere assail. Men do not rise</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">by fearing sin,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor he who keeps within his tent, unharmed,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">unscratched, the crown shall win.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When wrongs are trampling mortals down and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">rank injustice stalks about,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Real manhood to the battle flies, and dies or puts</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the foes to rout.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'Tis not the new and shining blade that marks</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the soldier of the field,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His glory is his broken sword, his pride the</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">scars upon his shield;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The crimson stains that sin has left upon his</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">soul are tongues that speak</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The victory of new found strength by one who</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">yesterday was weak.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And meaningless the spotless plume, the shining</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">blade that goes through life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And quits this naming battlefield without one</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">evidence of strife.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We all are warriors with sin, we all are knights</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">in life's crusades,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And with some form of tyranny, we're sent to</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">earth to measure blades.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The courage of the soul must gleam in conflict</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">with some fearful foe,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No man was ever born to life its luxuries alone</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">to know.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And he who brothers with a sin to keep his outward</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">garb unsoiled</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And fears to battle with a wrong, shall find his</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">soul decayed and spoiled.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Easy_Service" id="Easy_Service"></a><i>Easy Service</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When an empty sleeve or a sightless eye</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Or a legless form I see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I breathe my thanks to my God on High</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For His watchful care o'er me.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I say to myself, as the cripple goes</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Half stumbling on his way:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I may brag and boast, but that brother knows</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Why the old flag floats to-day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I think as I sit in my cozy den</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Puffing one of my many pipes</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I've served with all of my fellow men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The glorious Stars and Stripes.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then I see a troop in the faded blue</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And a few in the dusty gray,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I have to laugh at the deeds I do</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For the flag that floats to-day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I see men tangled in pointed wire,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The sport of the blazing sun,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Mangled and maimed by a leaden fire</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As the tides of battle run,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I fancy I hear their piteous calls</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For merciful death, and then</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The cannons cease and the darkness falls,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And those fluttering things are men.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Out there in the night they beg for death,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Yet the Reaper spurns their cries,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it seems his jest to leave them breath</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For their pitiful pleas and sighs.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I am here in my cozy room</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In touch with the joys of life,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I am miles away from the fields of doom</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the gory scenes of strife.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I never have vainly called for aid,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor suffered real pangs of thirst,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have marched with life in its best parade</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And never have seen its worst.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the flowers of ease I have ever basked,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And I think as the Flag I see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How much of service from some it's asked,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">How little of toil from me.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Fathers_Thoughts" id="A_Fathers_Thoughts"></a><i>A Father's Thoughts</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because I am his father, they</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Expect me to put grief away;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Because I am a man, and rough</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And sometimes short of speech and gruff,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The women folks at home believe</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His absence doesn't make me grieve;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But how I felt, they little know,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The day I smiled and let him go.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They little know the dreams I had</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Long cherished for my sturdy lad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They little guess the wrench it meant</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That day when off to war he went;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They little know the tears I checked</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">While standing, smiling and erect;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They never heard my smothered sigh</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When it was time to say good-bye.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"What does his father think and say?"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The neighbors ask from day to day.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Oh, he's a man," they answer then.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"And you know how it is with men.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But little do they ever say,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They do not feel the self-same way;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He seems indifferent and grim</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And yet he's very proud of him."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Indifferent and grim! Oh, heart,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Be brave enough to play the part,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let not the grief in you be shown,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Keep all your loneliness unknown,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To you the women folks must turn</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For comfort when their sorrows burn.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You must not at this time reveal</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The pain and anguish that you feel.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, tongue, be silent through the years,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And eyes, keep back always the tears,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And let them never see or know</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">My hidden weight of grief and woe.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though every golden dream I had</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Was centered in my little lad,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Alone my sorrow I must bear.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They must not know how much I care.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though women folks may talk and weep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A man, unseen, his grief must keep,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And hide behind his smile and pride</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The loneliness that dwells inside.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And so, from day to day, I go,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Playing the part of man, although</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Beneath the rough outside and grim,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I think and dream and pray for him.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Waiter_at_the_Camp" id="The_Waiter_at_the_Camp"></a><i>The Waiter at the Camp</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The officers' friend is the waiter at camp.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In the night air 'twas cold and was bitterly damp,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And they asked me to dine, which I readily did,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For at dining I've talents I never keep hid.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then a bright-eyed young fellow came in with the meat,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And straightway the troop of us started to eat.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I silently noticed that young fellow wait</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">At each officer's side 'til he'd filled up his plate;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I was startled a bit at the very first look</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">By the size of the helping each officer took,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I thought as I sat there among them that night</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Of the army's effect on a man's appetite.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The waiter at last brought the platter to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And modestly proper I started to be.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A small piece of meat then I gracefully took;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The young fellow stood there and gave me a look.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Better get all you want," he remarked to me then,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I pass this way once, but I don't come again."</span><br /><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I turned in amazement. He nodded his head</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In a way that convinced me he meant what he said.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I knew from his manner and smile on his lip</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That the rule in the army is "no second trip."</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I thought as he left me my food to attack,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Life gives us one chance, but it never comes back.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Complacent_Slacker" id="The_Complacent_Slacker"></a><i>The Complacent Slacker</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he was just a lad in school,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He used to sit around and fool</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And watch the clock and say:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I can't see that I'll ever need</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">This stuff the teacher makes me read,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I'll work no more to-day.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And anyhow it's almost June</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And school days will be over soon."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">One time we played a baseball game,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when a chance for stealing came,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">On second base he stood,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when we asked him why, he said:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"What was the use, they're far ahead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">One run would do no good.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The game is almost over now,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We couldn't win it anyhow."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The same old slacker still is he,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With men at war on land and sea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And our lads plunging in it;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He spreads afar his old excuse.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I'd like to help, but what's the use,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The Allied troops will win it.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There's nothing now to make us fret, there,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They'll have it won before we get there."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The worst of slackers is the man</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who will not help whene'er he can,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But plays the idle rover,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And tells to all beset with doubt</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There's naught to be alarmed about,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The storm will soon be over.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Let no such dangerous person lead us,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To-day in France they sadly need us.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Christmas_Greeting" id="A_Christmas_Greeting"></a><i>A Christmas Greeting</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here's to you, little mother,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With your boy so far away;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the joy of service smother</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">All your grief this Christmas day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the magic of his splendor</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Thrill your spirit through and through</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And may all that's fine and tender</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Make a smiling day for you.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May you never know the sadness</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That from day to day you dread;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May you never find but gladness</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In the Flag that's overhead;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the good God watch above him</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As he stands to duty stern,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And at last to all who love him</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">May he have a safe return.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little mother, take the blessing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of a grateful nation's heart;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May the news that is distressing</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Never cause your tears to start;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May there be no fears to haunt you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And no lonely hours and sad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">May your trials never daunt you,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But may every day be glad.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Little Mother, could I do it,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">This my Christmas gift would be:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That he'd safely battle through it,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">This to you I'd guarantee.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I'd pledge to you this morning</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Joys to banish all your cares,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gifts of gold and silver scorning,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I would answer all your prayers.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Ideals" id="Ideals"></a><i>Ideals</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Better than land or gold or trade</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Are a high ideal and a purpose true;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Better than all of the wealth we've made</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is the work for others that now we do.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For Rome grew rich and she turned to song</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And danced to music and drank her wine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But she sapped the strength of her fibres strong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And a gilded shroud was her splendor fine.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The Rome of old with its wealth and wine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Was the handiwork of a sturdy race;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They builded well and they made it fine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And they dreamed of it as their children's place.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They thought the joys they had won to give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And which seemed so certain and fixed and sure,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To the end of time in the world would live</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the Rome they'd fashioned would long endure.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They passed to their children the hoarded gold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Their marble halls and their fertile fields!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But not the spirit of Rome of old,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Nor the Roman courage that never yields.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They left them the wealth that their hands had won,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But they failed to leave them a purpose true.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">They left them thinking life's work all done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And Rome went down and was lost to view.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must guard ourselves lest we follow Rome.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We must leave our children the finer things.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We must teach them love of the spot called home</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the lasting joy that a purpose brings.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For vain are our Flag and our battles won,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And vain are our lands and our stores of gold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If our children feel that life's work is done.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">We must give them a high ideal to hold.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Rebellion" id="Rebellion"></a><i>Rebellion</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My Crown Prince was fine and fair," a sorrowful</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">father said,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"But he marched away with his regiment and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">they tell me that he's dead!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">'We all must go,' he whispered low, 'We must</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">fight for the Fatherland.'</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now the heart of me's torn with the grief I</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">know, and I cannot understand,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For none of the Kaiser's princes lie out there</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">where my soldier sleeps;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Here's a land where grief is the common lot, but</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">never the Kaiser weeps.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"My Crown Prince was a kindly prince, and his</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">eyes were gentle, too,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And glad were the days of his youth to me when</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">his wonderful smile I knew.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then the Kaiser flattered and spoke him well,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">and he sent him out to die,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But his Crown Prince hasn't felt one hurt and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the heart of me questions why?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He talks of war in his regal way and he boasts</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of his strength to strike,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But his boys all live and he doesn't know what</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">the sting of a bullet's like.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Rebellion gnaws at the soul of me as I think</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">of his Crown Prince gay,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And my Prince cold in the arms of death, and</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">harsh are the things I say.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I join with the grief-torn muttering men who</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">challenge the Kaiser's right</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To build his joys on the graves of ours. We</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">shall rise in our wrath to smite!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And this is the thing we shall ask of him: to</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">give us the reason why</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Our boys must fall on his battlefields, but never</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;">his boys must die?"</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Drafted" id="Drafted"></a><i>Drafted</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The biggest moment in our lives was that when first he cried,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">From that day unto this, for him, we've struggled side by side.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We can recount his daily deeds, and backwards we can look,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And proudly live again the time when first a step he took.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I see him trudging off to school, his mother at his side,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And when she left him there alone she hurried home and cried.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And then the sturdy chap of eight that was, I proudly see,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who packed a little grip and took a fishing trip with me.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Among the lists of boys to go his name has now appeared;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">To us has come the sacrifice that mothers all have feared;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And though we dread the parting hour when he shall march away,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We love him and the Flag too much to ask of him to stay.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">His baby ways shall march with him, and every joy we've had,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Somewhere in France some day shall be a little brown-eyed lad;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A toddler and a child at school, the chum that once I knew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Shall wear our country's uniform, for they've been drafted, too.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Reflection" id="Reflection"></a><i>Reflection</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You have given me riches and ease,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You have given me joys through the years,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have sat in the shade of your trees,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With the song of your birds in my ears.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have drunk of your bountiful wine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And done as I've chosen to do,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, oh wonderful country of mine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">'How little have I done for you!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You have given me safe harbor from harm,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Untroubled I've slept through the nights</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And have waked to the new morning's charm</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And claimed as my own its delights.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have taken the finest of fine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From your orchards and fields where it grew,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, oh wonderful country of mine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">How little I've given to you!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You have given me a home and a place</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where in safety my babies may play;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Health blooms on each bright dimpled face</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And laughter is theirs every day.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">You have guarded from danger the shrine</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Where I worship when toiling is through,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But, oh wonderful country of mine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">How little have I done for you!</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have taken your gifts without thought,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I have reveled in joys that you gave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That I see now with blood had been bought,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The blood of your earlier braves.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I have lived without making one sign</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That the source of my riches I knew,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Now, oh wonderful country of mine,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I'm here to do something for you!</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="A_Wish" id="A_Wish"></a><i>A Wish</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant my children may</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Not think in terms of gold</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When I have passed away</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And my poor form is cold.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When I no more shall be,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">If of me they would brag,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd have them speak of me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As one who loved the Flag.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">God grant my children may</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Not speak of me as one</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who trod a selfish way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When I am dead and gone.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When they recall my name</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">I'd have them tell that I</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Held dear my Country's fame</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And kept her standards high.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not for the things I gave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Would I be counted kind;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When I am in my grave,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">If they my worth would find,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I'd have them read it there</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In red and white and blue</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And stars of radiance rare!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And say that I was true.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Living" id="Living"></a><i>Living</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If through the years we're not to do</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Much finer deeds than we have done;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If we must merely wander through</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Time's garden, idling in the sun;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If there is nothing big ahead,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Why do we fear to join the dead?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unless to-morrow means that we</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall do some needed service here;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That tasks are waiting you and me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That will be lost, save we appear;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then why this dreadful thought of sorrow</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That we may never see to-morrow?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If all our finest deeds are done,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And all our splendor's in the past;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If there's no battle to be won,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">What matter if to-day's our last?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Is life so sweet that we would live</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though nothing back to life we give?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not to have lived through seventy years</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is greatness. Fitter to be sung</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">In poet's praises and in cheers</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Is he who dies in action, young;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who ventures all for one great deed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gives his life to serve life's need.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Lifes_Slacker" id="Lifes_Slacker"></a><i>Life's Slacker</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The saddest sort of death to die</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Would be to quit the game called life</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And know, beneath the gentle sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">You'd lived a slacker in the strife.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That nothing men on earth would find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To mark the spot that you had filled;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That you must go and leave behind</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">No patch of soil your hands had tilled.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I know no greater shame than this:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To feel that yours were empty years;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That after death no man would miss</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Your presence in this vale of tears;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">That you had breathed the fragrant air</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And sat by kindly fires that burn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And in earth's riches had a share</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But gave no labor in return.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Yet some men die this way, nor care:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They enter and they leave life's door</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And at the end, their record's bare—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The world's no better than before.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A few false tears are shed, and then,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In busy service, they're forgot.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We have no time to mourn for men</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who lived on earth but served it not.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A man in perfect peace to die</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Must leave some mark of toil behind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some building towering to the sky,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Some symbol that his heart was kind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Some roadway where strange feet may tread</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That out of gratitude he made;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He cannot bravely look ahead</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Unless his debt to life is paid.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Proof_of_Worth" id="The_Proof_of_Worth"></a><i>The Proof of Worth</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though victory's proof of the skill you possess,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Defeat is the proof of your grit;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A weakling can smile in his days of success,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">But at trouble's first sign he will quit.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">So the test of the heart and the test of your pluck</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Isn't skies that are sunny and fair,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But how do you stand to the blow that is struck</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And how do you battle despair?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A fool can seem wise when the pathway is clear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And it's easy to see the way out,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But the test of man's judgment is something to fear,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And what does he do when in doubt?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the proof of his faith is the courage he shows</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When sorrows lie deep in his breast;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's the way that he suffers the griefs that he knows</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That brings out his worst or his best.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The test of a man is how much he will bear</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For a cause which he knows to be right,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">How long will he stand in the depths of despair,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">How much will he suffer and fight?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There are many to serve when the victory's near</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And few are the hurts to be borne,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But it calls for a leader of courage to cheer</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The men in a battle forlorn.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's the way you hold out against odds that are great</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That proves what your courage is worth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's the way that you stand to the bruises of fate</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That shows up your stature and girth.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And victory's nothing but proof of your skill,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Veneered with a glory that's thin,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Unless it is proof of unfaltering will,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And unless you have suffered to win.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Follow_a_Famous_Father" id="Follow_a_Famous_Father"></a><i>Follow a Famous Father</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I follow a famous father,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">His honor is mine to wear;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He gave me a name that was free from shame,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A name he was proud to bear.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He lived in the morning sunlight,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And marched in the ranks of right.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was always true to the best he knew</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the shield that he wore was bright.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I follow a famous father,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And never a day goes by</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I feel that he looks down to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">To carry his standard high.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He stood to the sternest trials</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As only a brave man can;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though the way be long, I must never wrong</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The name of so good a man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I follow a famous father,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Not known to the printed page,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Nor written down in the world's renown</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As a prince of his little age.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But never a stain attached to him</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And never he stooped to shame;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was bold and brave and to me he gave</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The pride of an honest name.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I follow a famous father,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And him I must keep in mind;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Though his form is gone, I must carry on</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The name that he left behind.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It was mine on the day he gave it,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It shone as a monarch's crown,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And as fair to see as it came to me</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It must be when I pass it down.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="The_Important_Thing" id="The_Important_Thing"></a><i>The Important Thing</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">He was playing in the garden when we called him in for tea,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But he didn't seem to hear us, so I went out there to see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">What the little rogue was up to, and I stooped and asked him why,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When he heard his mother calling, he had made her no reply.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I am playing war," he told me, "and I'm up against defeat,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And until I stop the Germans I can't take the time to eat."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"Isn't supper so important that you'll quit your round of play?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Don't you want to eat the shortcake mother made for you to-day?"</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Then I asked him, but he answered as he shook his little head:</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">"I don't dare to stop for shortcake, if I do they'll kill me dead!</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When I drive them from their trenches, then to supper I'll come in,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But I mustn't stop a minute, 'cause this war I've got to win."</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">I left him in his battle, left him there to end his play,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For he'd taught to me a lesson that is needed much to-day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not the lure of cake could turn him from the work he had to do;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There was nothing so important as to see his struggle through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And I wondered all that evening, as he slumbered in his bed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">If we'd risen to the meaning of the work that lies ahead?</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are we roused to the importance of the danger in our way?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are we thinking still of pleasures as we thought but yesterday?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Are our comforts and our riches in our minds still uppermost?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Must we wait, to see our danger, till the foe is on our coast?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, there's nothing so important, nothing now that's worth a pin</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Save the war that we are fighting. It's a war we've got to win.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Selfishness" id="Selfishness"></a><i>Selfishness</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Search history, my boy, and see</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">What petty selfishness has done.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Find if you can one victory</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That little minds have ever won.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">There is no record there to read</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of men who fought for self alone,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No instance of a single deed</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">splendor they may proudly own.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Through all life's story you will find</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">The miser—with his hoarded gold—</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A hermit, dreary and unkind,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">An outcast from the human fold.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Men hold him up to view with scorn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">A creature by his wealth enslaved,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">A spirit craven and forlorn,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Doomed by the money he has saved.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No man was ever truly great</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who sought to serve himself alone,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who put himself above the state,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Above the friends about him thrown.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">No man was ever truly glad</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Who risked his joy on hoarded pelf,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And gave of nothing that he had</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Through fear of needing it himself.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For selfishness is wintry cold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And bitter are its joys at last,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The very charms it tries to hold,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With woes are quickly overcast.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And only he shall gladly live,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And bravely die when God shall call,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Who gathers but that he may give,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And with his fellows shares his all.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Constant_Beauty" id="Constant_Beauty"></a><i>Constant Beauty</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's good to have the trees again, the singing of the breeze again,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">It's good to see the lilacs bloom as lovely as of old.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">It's good that we can feel again, the touch of beauties real again,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">For hearts and minds, of sorrow now, have all that they can hold.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The roses haven't changed a bit, nor have the peonies stranged a bit,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">They bud and bloom the way they did before the war began.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">The world is upside down to-day, there's much to make us frown to-day</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And gloom and sadness everywhere beset the path of man.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But now the lilacs bloom again and give us their perfume again</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And now the roses smile at us and nod along the way;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And it is good to see again the blossoms on each tree again</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And feel that nature hasn't changed the way we have to-day.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, we have changed from what we were, we're not the carefree lot we were,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Our hearts are filled with sorrow now and grave concern and pain,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But it is good to see once more the budding lilac tree once more,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And find the constant roses here to comfort us again.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="When_the_Drums_Shall_Cease_to_Beat" id="When_the_Drums_Shall_Cease_to_Beat"></a><i>When the Drums Shall Cease to Beat</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When will the laughter ring again in the way that it used to do?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not till the soldiers come home again, not till the war is through.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When will the holly gleam again and the Christmas candles burn?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not till the swords are sheathed once more and the brave of our land return.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When will happy hearts meet again in the lights of the Christmas tree?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not till the cannons cease their roar and the sailors come from sea.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When shall we sing as we used to do and dance in the old-time way?</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Not till the soldiers come home again and the bugles cease to play.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Oh, dull is the red of the holly now and faintly the candles burn;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And we long for the smile of the missing face and the absent one's return.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We long for the laughter we used to know and the love that made giving sweet,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">But we must wait for the joys of old till the drums shall cease to beat.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall laugh once more as we used to do, and dance in the old-time way,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">For this is the pledge they have made to us who serve in the war to-day;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the joys of home that we treasure so are the joys that their lives defend,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And they shall give us our Christmas time as soon as the war shall end.</span><br /> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="Prophecy" id="Prophecy"></a><i>Prophecy</i></h2><br /> + + + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall thank our God for graces</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">That we've never known before;</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall look on manlier faces</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">When our troubled days are o'er.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall rise a better nation</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">From the battle's grief and grime,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And shall win our soul's salvation</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In this bitter trial time.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And the old Flag waving o'er us</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">In the dancing morning sun</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Will be daily singing for us</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Of a splendor new begun.</span><br /><br /> + +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When the rifles cease to rattle</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the cannon cease to roar,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">When is passed the smoke of battle</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">And the death lists are no more,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">With a yet undreamed of beauty</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">As a people we shall rise,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">And a love of right and duty</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">Shall be gleaming in our eyes.</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">As a country, tried by sorrow,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With a heritage of worth,</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 2em;">We shall stand in that to-morrow</span><br /> +<span style="margin-left: 3em;">With the leaders of the earth.</span><br /> + + +<p> </p> +<p> </p> +<hr class="full" /> +<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVER HERE***</p> +<p>******* This file should be named 16632-h.txt or 16632-h.zip *******</p> +<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/6/3/16632">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/3/16632</a></p> +<p>Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed.</p> + +<p>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution.</p> + + + +<pre> +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +<a href="https://gutenberg.org/license">https://gutenberg.org/license)</a>. + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS,' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">https://www.gutenberg.org</a> + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext06/</a> + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL">https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/GUTINDEX.ALL</a> + +*** END: FULL LICENSE *** +</pre> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/16632-h/images/medalion.jpg b/16632-h/images/medalion.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..71d6ead --- /dev/null +++ b/16632-h/images/medalion.jpg diff --git a/16632-h/images/overherecover.jpg b/16632-h/images/overherecover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ddc026a --- /dev/null +++ b/16632-h/images/overherecover.jpg diff --git a/16632.txt b/16632.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5339f41 --- /dev/null +++ b/16632.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4628 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, Over Here, by Edgar A. Guest + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: Over Here + + +Author: Edgar A. Guest + + + +Release Date: September 2, 2005 [eBook #16632] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVER HERE*** + + +E-text prepared by Pat Saumell and Chuck Greif + + + +OVER HERE + +by + +EDGAR A. GUEST + +Author of "A Heap o' Livin'" "Just Folks" + +The Reilly & Britton Co. +Chicago + +1918 + + + + + + + +To the Mothers Over Here + + + + +INDEX + +Alarm, The +America +April Thoughts +As It Looks to the Boy +Battle Prayer, A +Beautifying the Flag +Better Thing, The +Big Deeds, The +Bigger Than His Dad +Boy Enlists, The +Boy's Adventure, The +Call, The +Call to Service, The +Change, The +Chaplain, The +Christmas, 1918 +Christmas Box, The +Christmas Greeting, A +Complacent Slacker, The +Constant Beauty +Creed, A +Discovery of a Soul, The +Do Your All +Drafted +Duty +Easy Service +Envy +Everywhere in America +Exempt +Father's Prayer, A +Father's Thoughts, A +Father's Tribute, A +Flag, The +Flag on the Farm, The +Fly a Clean Flag +Follow the Flag +For Your Boy and Mine +Friendly Greeting, The +From Laughter to Labor +Future, The +General Pershing +Girl He Left Behind, The +Glory of Age, The +Gold Givers, The +Good Luck +Good Soldier, A +Hate +Here We Are! +His Room +His Santa Claus +Honor Roll, The +Hope +I Follow a Famous Father +Ideals +If He Should Meet a Mother There +Important Thing, The +Joy to Be, The +July the Fourth, 1917 +Kelly Ingram +Life's Slacker +Living +Memorial Day +Mother Faith, The +Mother on the Sidewalk, The +Mothers and Wives +My Part +New Year, The +Next of Kin +Our Duty to Our Flag +Out of It All +Over Here +Patriot, A +Patriotic Creed, A +Patriotic Wish, A +Plea, A +Prayer, A +Prayer, 1918, A +Princess Pats, The +Proof of Worth, The +Prophecy +Rebellion +Reflection +Runner McGee +See It Through +Selfishness +Show the Flag +Soldier on Crutches, The +Soldierly +Spring in the Trenches +Struggle, The +Sympathy +Taking His Place +Thanksgiving +Things That Make a Soldier Great, The +Thoughts of a Soldier +Time for Deeds, The +To a Kindly Critic +To a Lady Knitting +To the Men at Home +Undaunted, The +United +Unsettled Scores, The +Waiter at the Camp, The +Warriors +War's Homecoming +We Need a Few More Optimists +We've Had a Letter From the Boy +We Who Stay at Home +When the Drums Shall Cease to Beat +Why We Fight +Wish, A +Wrist Watch Man, The +Your Country Needs You + + + * * * * * + + + + + + Over Here + + + Pledged to the bravest and the best, + We stand, who cannot share the fray, + Staunch for the danger and the test. + For them at night we kneel and pray. + Be with them, Lord, who serve the truth, + And make us worthy of our youth! + + Here mother-love and father-love + Unite in love of country now; + Here to the flag that flies above, + Our heads we reverently bow; + Here as one people, night and day, + For victory we work and pray. + + Nor race nor creed shall difference make, + Nor bigot mar the zealot's plan; + We give our all for Freedom's sake, + Each man a king, each king a man. + Make us the equal, Lord, we pray + Of them who die for truth to-day! + + Let us as gladly give our best, + Let us as bravely pay the price + As they, who in the bitter test + Meet the supremest sacrifice. + Oh, God! Wherever we are led, + Let us be worthy of our dead! + + Let us not compromise the truth, + Let us not cringe so much in fear + That foes may whisper to our youth + That we have failed in courage here. + Lord, strengthen us, that they may know + Our spirits follow where they go! + + + + Why We Fight + + + This is the thing we fight: + A cry of terror in the night; + A ship on work of mercy bent-- + A carrier of the sick and maimed-- + Beneath the cruel waters sent, + And those that did it, unashamed. + + A woman who had tried to fill + A mother's place; had nursed the ill + And soothed the troubled brows of pain + And earned the dying's grateful prayers, + Before a wall by soldiers slain! + And such a poor pretext was theirs! + + Old women pierced by bayonets grim + And babies slaughtered for a whim, + Cathedrals made the sport of shells, + No mercy, even for a child, + As though the imps of all the hells + Were crazed with drink and running wild. + + All this we fight--that some day when + Good sense shall come again to men, + Our children's children may not read + This age's history thus defamed + And find we served a selfish creed + And ever be of us ashamed! + + + + America + + + God has been good to men. He gave + His Only Son their souls to save, + And then he made a second gift, + Which from their dreary lives should lift + The tyrant's yoke and set them free + From all who'd throttle liberty. + He gave America to men-- + Fashioned this land we love, and then + Deep in her forests sowed the seed + Which was to serve man's earthly need. + + When wisps of smoke first upwards curled + From pilgrim fires, upon the world + Unnoticed and unseen, began + God's second work of grace for man. + Here where the savage roamed and fought, + God sowed the seed of nobler thought; + Here to the land we love to claim, + The pioneers of freedom came; + Here has been cradled all that's best + In every human mind and breast. + + For full four hundred years and more + Our land has stretched her welcoming shore + To weary feet from soils afar; + Soul-shackled serfs of king and czar + Have journeyed here and toiled and sung + And talked of freedom to their young, + And God above has smiled to see + This precious work of liberty, + And watched this second gift He gave + The dreary lives of men to save. + + And now, when liberty's at bay, + And blood-stained tyrants force the fray, + Worn warriors, battling for the right, + Crushed by oppression's cruel might, + Hear in the dark through which they grope + America's glad cry of hope: + Man's liberty is not to die! + America is standing by! + World-wide shall human lives be free: + America has crossed the sea! + + America! the land we love! + God's second gift from Heaven above, + Builded and fashioned out of truth, + Sinewed by Him with splendid youth + For that glad day when shall be furled + All tyrant flags throughout the world. + For this our banner holds the sky: + That liberty shall never die. + For this, America began: + To make a brotherhood of man. + + + + The Time for Deeds + + + We have boasted our courage in moments of ease, + Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze; + We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth, + And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth + Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test. + Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best! + + We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right, + We have challenged oppression to show us its might; + We have strutted for years through the world as a race + That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face; + Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world. + Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled? + + We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth, + We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth; + We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe, + As though we believed we could laugh them all low. + Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight! + Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right! + + If in honor and glory our flag is to wave, + If we are to keep this--the land of the brave; + If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds, + Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds. + We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal! + Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real! + + + + Everywhere in America + + + Not somewhere in America, but everywhere to-day, + Where snow-crowned mountains hold their heads, + the vales where children play, + Beside the bench and whirring lathe, on every + lake and stream + And in the depths of earth below, men share a + common dream-- + The dream our brave forefathers had of freedom + and of right, + And once again in honor's cause, they rally and + unite. + + Not somewhere in America is love of country + found, + But east and west and north and south once + more the bugles sound, + And once again, as one, men stand to break + their brother's chains, + And make the world a better place, where only + justice reigns. + The patriotism that is here, is echoed over there, + The hero at a certain post is on guard everywhere. + O'er humble home and mansion rich the starry + banner flies, + And far and near throughout the land the men + of valor rise. + + The flag that flutters o'er your home is fluttering + far away + O'er homes that you have never seen. The same + impulses sway + The souls of men in distant states. The red, the + white and blue + Means to one hundred million strong, just what + it means to you. + The self-same courage resolute you feel and + understand + Is throbbing in the breasts of men throughout + this mighty land. + Not somewhere in America, but everywhere to-day, + For justice and for liberty all free men work + and pray. + + + + The Things That Make a Soldier Great + + + The things that make a soldier great and send him out to die, + To face the flaming cannon's mouth, nor ever question why, + Are lilacs by a little porch, the row of tulips red, + The peonies and pansies, too, the old petunia bed, + The grass plot where his children play, the roses on the wall: + 'Tis these that make a soldier great. He's fighting for them all. + + 'Tis not the pomp and pride of kings that make a soldier brave; + 'Tis not allegiance to the flag that over him may wave; + For soldiers never fight so well on land or on the foam + As when behind the cause they see the little place called home. + Endanger but that humble street whereon his children run-- + You make a soldier of the man who never bore a gun. + + What is it through the battle smoke the valiant soldier sees? + The little garden far away, the budding apple trees, + The little patch of ground back there, the children at their play, + Perhaps a tiny mound behind the simple church of gray. + The golden thread of courage isn't linked to castle dome + But to the spot, where'er it be--the humble spot called home. + + And now the lilacs bud again and all is lovely there, + And homesick soldiers far away know spring is in the air; + The tulips come to bloom again, the grass once more is green, + And every man can see the spot where all his joys have been. + He sees his children smile at him, he hears the bugle call, + And only death can stop him now--he's fighting for them all. + + + + The Flag + + + We never knew how much the Flag + Could mean, until he went away, + We used to boast of it and brag, + As something of a by-gone day; + But now the Flag can start our tears + In moments of our greatest joy, + Old Glory in the sky appears + The symbol of our little boy. + + We knew that sometimes people wept + To see the Flag go waving by, + But never guessed the griefs they kept-- + We never understood just why. + But now our eyes grow quickly dim, + Our voices choke with sobs to-day; + The Flag is telling us of him, + Our little boy who's gone away. + + We never knew the Flag could be + So much a part of human life, + We thought it beautiful to see + Before these bitter days of strife; + But now more beautiful it gleams, + And deeper in our hearts it dwells; + It is the emblem of our dreams, + For of our little boy it tells. + + + + A Battle Prayer + + + God of battles, be with us now: + Guard our sons from the lead of shame, + Watch our sons when the cannons flame, + Let them not to a tyrant bow. + + God of battles, to Thee we pray: + Be with each loyal son who fights + In the cause of justice and human rights, + Grant him strength and lead the way. + + God of battles, our youth we give + To the battle line on a foreign soil, + To conquer hatred and lust and spoil; + Grant that they and their cause shall live. + + + + Good Luck + + + Good luck! That's all I'm saying, as you sail across the sea; + The best o' luck, in the parting, is the prayer you get from me. + May you never meet a danger that you won't come safely through, + May you never meet a German that can get the best of you; + Oh! A thousand things may happen when a fellow's at the front, + A thousand different mishaps, but here's hoping that they won't. + + Good luck! That's all I'm saying, as you turn away to go, + Good luck and plenty of it, may it be your lot to know; + May you never meet rough weather, but remember if you do + That the folks at home are wishing that you'll all come safely through. + Oh! A thousand things may happen when a fellow bears the brunt + Of His Country's fight for glory, but I'm praying that they won't. + + Good luck! That's all I'm saying as you're falling into line; + May the splendor of your service bring you everything that's fine; + May the fates deal kindly with you, may you never know distress, + And may every task you tackle end triumphant with success. + Oh! A thousand things may happen that with joy your life will fill; + You may not get all the gladness, but I'm hoping that you will. + + + + A Prayer, 1918 + + + Oh, make us worthy, + God, we pray, + To do thy service + Here to-day; + Endow us with + The strength we need + For every + Sacrificial deed! + + + + The Change + + + 'Twas hard to think that he must go, + We knew that we should miss him so, + We thought that he must always stay + Beside us, laughing, day by day; + That he must never know the care + And hurt and grief of life out there. + Then came the call for youth, and he + Talked with his mother and with me, + And suddenly we learned the boy + Was hungering to know the joy + Of doing something real with life, + And that he craved the test of strife. + + And so we steeled ourselves to dread; + To see at night his empty bed; + To feel the silence and the gloom + That hovers o'er his vacant room, + And though we wept the day he went, + And many a lonely hour we've spent, + We've come to think as he, somehow, + And we are more contented now; + We're proud that we can stand and say + We have a boy who's gone away. + And we are glad to know that he + Is serving where he ought to be. + + It's queer, the change that time has brought: + We're different now in speech and thought; + His letters home mean joy to us, + His difficulties we discuss. + When word of his promotion came, + His mother, with her eyes aflame + With happiness and pride, rushed out + To tell the neighbors round about. + Her boy! Her boy is doing well! + What greater news can mothers tell? + I think that pity now we show + For those who have no boys to go. + + + + Mothers and Wives + + + Mothers and wives, 'tis the call to arms + That the bugler yonder prepares to sound; + We stand on the brink of war's alarms + And your men may lie on a blood-stained + ground. + The drums may play and the flags may fly, + And our boys may don the brown and blue, + And the call that summons brave men to die + Is the call for glorious women, too. + + Mothers and wives, if the summons comes, + You, as ever since war has been, + Must hear with courage the rolling drums + And dry your tears when the flags are seen. + For never has hero fought and died + Who has braver been than the mother, who + Buckled his saber at his side, + And sent him forward to dare and do. + + Mothers and wives, should the call ring out, + It is you must answer your country's cry; + You must furnish brave hearts and stout + For the firing line where the heroes die. + And never a corpse on the field of strife + Should be honored more in his country's sight + Than the noble mother or noble wife + Who sent him forth in the cause of right. + + Mothers and wives, 'tis the call for men + To give their strength and to give their lives; + But well we know, such a summons then + Is the call for mothers and loyal wives, + For you must give us the strength we need, + You must give us the boys in blue, + For never a boy or a man shall bleed + But a mother or wife shall suffer, too. + + + + The Call to Service + + + These are the days when little thoughts + Must cease men's minds to occupy; + The nation needs men's larger creeds, + Big men must answer to her cry; + No longer selfish ways we tread, + The greater task lies just ahead. + + These are the days when petty things + By all men must be thrust aside; + The country needs men's finest deeds, + Awakened is the nation's pride; + Men must forsake their selfish strife + Once more to guard their country's life. + + + + Kelly Ingram + + + His name was Kelly Ingram; he was Alabama's son, + And he whistled "Yankee Doodle," as he stood beside his gun; + There was laughter in his make-up, there was manhood in his face, + And he knew the best traditions and the courage of his race; + Now there's not a heart among us but should swell with loyal pride + When he thinks of Kelly Ingram and the splendid way he died. + + On the swift Destroyer Cassin he was merely gunner's mate, + But up there to-day, I fancy, he is standing with the great. + On that grim day last October his position on the craft + Was that portion of the vessel which the sailors christen aft; + There were deep sea bombs beside him to be dropped upon the Hun + Who makes women folks his victims and then gloats o'er what he's done. + + From the lookout came a warning; came the cry all sailors fear, + A torpedo was approaching, and the vessel's doom was near; + Ingram saw the streak of danger, but he saw a little more, + A greater menace faced them than that missile had in store; + If those deep sea bombs beside him were not thrown beneath the wave, + Every man aboard the Cassin soon would find a watery grave. + + It was death for him to linger, but he figured if he ran + And quit his post of duty, 'twould be death for every man; + So he stood at his position, threw those depth bombs overboard, + And when that torpedo struck them, he went forth to meet his Lord. + Oh, I don't know how to say it, but these whole United States + Should remember Kelly Ingram--he who died to save his mates. + + + + The Joy to Be + + + Oh, mother, be you brave of heart and keep + your bright eyes shining; + Some day the smiles of joy shall start and you + shall cease repining. + Beyond the dim and distant line the days of + peace are waiting, + When you shall have your soldier fine, and men + shall turn from hating. + + Oh, mother, bear the pain a-while, as long ago + you bore it; + You suffered then to win his smile, and you + were happier for it; + And now you suffer once again, and bear your + weight of sorrow; + Yet you shall thrill with gladness when he wins + the glad to-morrow. + + Oh, mother, when the cannons roar and all the + brave are fighting, + Remember that the son you bore the wrongs + of earth is righting; + Remember through the hours of pain that he + with all his brothers + Is battling there to win again a happy world + for mothers. + + + + He Should Meet a Mother There + + + If he should meet a mother there + Along some winding Flanders road, + No extra touch of grief or care + He'll add unto her heavy load. + But he will kindly take her arm + And tender as her son will be; + He'll lead her from the path of harm + Because of me. + + Be she the mother of his foe, + He will not speak to her in hate; + My boy will never stoop so low + As motherhood to desecrate. + But she shall know what once I knew-- + Eyes that are glorious to see, + The light of manhood shining through-- + Because of me. + + He will salute her as they meet, + And stand before her bare of head; + If she be hungry, she may eat + His last remaining bit of bread. + She'll find those splendid arms and strong + Quick to assist her, tenderly, + And they will guard her from all wrong + Because of me. + + I miss his thoughtful, loving care; + I miss his smile these dreary days; + But should he meet a mother there, + Helpless and lost in war's grim maze, + She need not fear to take his arm, + As though she'd reared him at her knee; + My son will shield her from all harm + Because of me. + + + + A Father's Tribute + + + I don't know what they'll put him at, or what + his post may be; + I cannot guess the task that waits for him across + the sea, + But I have known him through the years, and + when there's work to do, + I know he'll meet his duty well, I'll swear that + he'll be true. + + I sometimes fear that he may die, but never that + he'll shirk; + If death shall want him death must go and take + him at his work; + This splendid sacrifice he makes is filled with + terrors grim, + And I have many thoughts of fear, but not one + fear of him. + + The foe may rob my life of joy, the foe may + take my all, + And desolate my days shall be if he shall have to + fall. + But this I know, whate'er may be the grief that + I must face, + Upon his record there will be no blemish of + disgrace. + + His days have all been splendid days, there lies + no broken trust + Along the pathway of his youth to molder in + the dust; + Honor and truth have marked his ways, in him + I can be glad; + He is as fine and true a son as ever a father had. + + + + Runner McGee + + + (Who had "Return if Possible" Orders.) + + "You've heard a good deal of the telephone + wires," he said as we sat at our ease, + And talked of the struggle that's taking men's + lives in these terrible days o'er the seas, + "But I've been through the thick of the thing + and I know when a battle's begun, + It isn't the phone you depend on for help. It's + the legs of a boy who can run. + + "It isn't because of the phone that I'm here. + To-day you are talking to me + Because of the grit and the pluck of a boy. His + title was Runner McGee. + We were up to our dead line an' fighting alone; + some plan had miscarried, I guess, + And the help we were promised had failed to + arrive. We were showing all signs of + distress. + + "Our curtain of fire was ahead of us still, an' + theirs was behind us an' thick, + An' there wasn't a thing we could do for ourselves--the + few of us left had to stick. + You haven't much chance to get central an' talk + on the phone to the music of guns; + Gettin' word to the chief is a matter right then + that is up to the fellow who runs. + + "I'd sent four of 'em back with the R. I. P. + sign, which means to return if you can, + But none of 'em got through the curtain of fire; + my hurry call died with the man. + Then Runner McGee said he'd try to get through. + I hated to order the kid + On his mission of death; thought he'd never get + by, but somehow or other he did. + + "Yes, he's dead. Died an hour after bringing + us word that the chief was aware of our + plight, + An' for us to hang on to the ditch that we held; + the reserves would relieve us at night. + Then we stuck to our trench an' we stuck to our + guns; you know how you'll fight when + you know + That new strength is coming to fill up the gaps. + There's heart in the force of your blow. + + "It wasn't till later I got all the facts. They + wanted McGee to remain. + They begged him to stay. He had cheated death + once an' was foolish to try it again. + 'R. I. P. are my orders,' he answered them all, + 'an' back to the boys I must go; + Four of us died comin' out with the news. It + will help them to know that you know.'" + + + + The Girl He Left Behind + + + We used to think her frivolous--you know how + parents are, + A little quick to see the faults and petty flaws + that mar + The girl their son is fond of and may choose + to make his wife, + A little overjealous of the one who'd share his + life; + But the girl he left behind him when he bravely + marched away + Has blossomed into beauty that we see and need + to-day. + + She was with us at the depot, and we turned our + backs a-while, + And her eyes were sad and misty, though she + tried her best to smile. + Then she put her arm round mother, and it + seemed to me as though + They just grew to love each other, for they + shared a common woe. + Now she often comes to see us, and it seems + to me we find + A heap of solid comfort in the girl he left behind. + + "She's so sensible and gentle," mother said last + night to me, + "The kind of girl I've often wished and prayed + his wife would be. + And I like to have her near us, for she understands + my sighs + And I see my brave boy smiling when I look into + her eyes." + Now the presence of his sweetheart seems to fill + our home with joy. + She's no longer young and flighty--she's the + girl who loves our boy. + + + + A Patriotic Creed + + + To serve my country day by day + At any humble post I may; + To honor and respect her Flag, + To live the traits of which I brag; + To be American in deed + As well as in my printed creed. + + To stand for truth and honest toil, + To till my little patch of soil + And keep in mind the debt I owe + To them who died that I might know + My country, prosperous and free, + And passed this heritage to me. + + I must always in trouble's hour + Be guided by the men in power; + For God and country I must live, + My best for God and country give; + No act of mine that men may scan + Must shame the name American. + + To do my best and play my part, + American in mind and heart; + To serve the flag and bravely stand + To guard the glory of my land; + To be American in deed, + God grant me strength to keep this creed. + + + + His Room + + + His room is as it used to be + Before he went away, + The walls still keep the pennants he + Brought home but yesterday. + The picture of his baseball team + Still holds its favored spot, + And oh, it seems a dreadful dream + This age of shell and shot! + + His golf clubs in the corner stand; + His tennis racket, too, + That once the pressure of his hand + In times of laughter knew + Is in the place it long has kept + For us to look upon. + The room is as it was, except + The boy, himself, has gone. + + The pictures of his girls are here, + Still smiling as of yore, + And everything that he held dear + Is treasured as before. + Into his room his mother goes + As usual, day by day, + And cares for it, although she knows + Our boy is far away. + + We keep it as he left it, when + He bade us all good-bye, + Though I confess that, now and then, + We view it with a sigh. + For never night shall thrill with joy + Nor day be free from gloom + Until once more our soldier boy + Shall occupy his room. + + + + Envy + + + It's a bigger thing you're doing than the most of us have done; + We have lived the days of pleasure; now the gray days have begun, + And upon your manly shoulders fall the burdens of the strife; + Yours must be the sacrifices of the trial time of life. + Oh, I don't know how to say it, but I'll never think of you + Without wishing I were sharing in the work you have to do. + + I have never known a moment that was fraught with real care, + Save the hurts and griefs of sorrow that all mortals have to bear; + With the gay and smiling marchers I have tramped on pleasant ways, + And have paid with feeble service for the gladness of my days. + But to you has come a summons, yours are days of sacrifice, + And for all life has of sweetness you must pay a bitter price. + + Men have fought and died before me, men must fight and die to-day, + I have merely taken pleasures for which others had to pay; + I have been a man of laughter, there's no path my feet have made, + I have merely been a marcher in life's gaudy dress parade. + But you wear the garb of service, you have splendid deeds to do, + You shall sound the depths of manhood, and my boy, I envy you. + + + + For Your Boy and Mine + + + Your dream and my dream is not that we shall rest, + But that our children after us shall know life at its best; + For all we care about ourselves--a crust of bread or two, + A place to sleep and clothes to wear is all that we'd pursue. + We'd tramp the world on sunny days, both light of heart and mind, + And give no thought to days to come or days we leave behind. + + Your dream and my dream is not that we shall play, + But that our children after us shall tread a merry way. + We brave the toil of life for them, for them we clamber high, + And if 'twould spare them hurt and pain, for them we'd gladly die. + If we had but ourselves to serve, we'd quit the ways of pride + And with the simplest joys of earth we'd all be satisfied. + + The best for them is what we dream. Our little girls and boys + Must know the finest life can give of comforts and of joys. + They must be shielded well from woe and kept secure from care, + And if we could, upon our backs, their burdens we would bear. + And so once more we rise to-day to face the battle zone + That those who follow us may know the Flag that we have known. + + Your dream and my dream is not that we shall live; + The greatest joys we hope to claim are those that we shall give. + We face the heat and strife of life, its battle and its toil + That those who follow us may know the best of freedom's soil. + And if we knew that by our death we'd keep that flag on high, + For your boy and my boy, how gladly we would die. + + + + Soldierly + + + The glory of a soldier--and a soldier's not a saint-- + Is the way he does his duty without grumbling or complaint; + His work's not always pleasant, but he does it rain or shine, + And he grabs a bit of glory when he's fighting in the line; + But the lesson that he teaches every day to me an' you + Is the way to do a duty that we do not like to do. + + Any sort o' chap can whistle when his work is mostly fun; + A hundred want the pleasant jobs to every sturdy one + That'll grab the dreary duty an' the mean an' lowly task, + Or the drab an' cheerless service that life often has to ask; + But somebody has to do it, an' the test of me an' you + Is the way we face the labor that we do not like to do. + + Now, it isn't very pleasant standin' guard out in the rain + But it's in the line o' duty, an' no soldier will complain, + An' there isn't any soldier but what sometimes hates his work + When the dress parade is over, an' perhaps he'd like to shirk, + But he's there to follow orders, not to pick an' choose his post, + An' he sometimes shines the finest at the job he hates the most. + + Let's be soldiers in the struggle, let's be loyal through and through; + Life is going to give us duties that perhaps we'll hate to do. + There'll be little sacrifices that we will not like to make, + There'll be many tasks unpleasant that will fall to us to take. + An' although we all would rather do the work that brings applause, + Let's forget our whims and fancies an' just labor for the cause. + + + + The Alarm + + + Get off your downy cots of ease, + There's work that must be done. + Great danger's riding on the seas. + The storm is coming on. + Don't think that it will quickly pass. + Who smiles at distant fate, + And waits until it strikes, alas! + Has roused himself too late. + + Who thinks the fight will end before + The need of him arrives, + Is lengthening this brutal war + And costing many lives. + For over us that storm shall break + Ere many weeks have fled, + And we shall pay for our mistake + In fields of mangled dead. + + Be ready when the foe shall near, + Be there to strike him hard; + Let us, though he be miles from here, + Be standing now on guard. + To-morrow's victories won't be won + By pluck that we display + To-morrow when the foe comes on, + But by our work to-day. + + + + The Boy Enlists + + + His mother's eyes are saddened, and her cheeks + are stained with tears, + And I'm facing now the struggle that I've + dreaded through the years; + For the boy that was our baby has been changed + into a man. + He's enlisted in the army as a true American. + + He held her for a moment in his arms before + he spoke, + And I watched him as he kissed her, and it + seemed to me I'd choke, + For I knew just what was coming, and I knew + just what he'd done! + 'Another little mother had a soldier for a son. + + When we'd pulled ourselves together, and the + first quick tears had dried, + We could see his eyes were blazing with the fire + of manly pride; + We could see his head was higher than it ever + was before, + For we had a man to cherish, and our baby was + no more. + + Oh, I don't know how to say it! With the sorrow + comes the joy + That there isn't any coward in the make-up of + our boy. + And with pride our hearts are swelling, though + with grief they're also hit, + For the boy that was our baby has stepped + forth to do his bit, + + + + The Mother Faith + + + Little mother, life's adventure calls your boy away, + Yet he will return to you on some brighter day; + Dry your tears and cease to sigh, keep your mother smile, + Brave and strong he will come back in a little while. + + Little mother, heed them not--they who preach despair-- + You shall have your boy again, brave and oh, so fair! + Life has need of him to-day, but with victory won, + Safely life shall bring to you once again your son. + + Little mother, keep the faith: not to death he goes; + Share with him the joy of worth that your soldier knows. + He is giving to the Flag all that man can give, + And if you believe he will, surely he will live. + + Little mother, through the night of his absence long, + Never cease to think of him--brave and well and strong; + You shall know his kiss again, you shall see his smile, + For your boy shall come to you in a little while. + + + + Thoughts of a Soldier + + + Since men with life must purchase life + And some must die that more may live, + Unto the Great Cashier of strife + A fine accounting let me give. + Perhaps to-morrow I shall stand + Before his cage, prepared to buy + New splendor for my native land: + Oh, God, then bravely let me die! + + If after I shall fall, shall rise + A fairer land than I have known, + I shall not grudge my sacrifice, + Although I pay the price alone. + If still more beautiful to see + The Stars and Stripes o'er men shall wave + And finer shall my country be, + To-morrow let me find my grave. + + To-night life seems so fair and sweet, + Yet tyranny is stalking here, + And hate and lust and foul deceit + Hang heavy on the atmosphere. + Injustice seeks to throttle right, + And laughter's stifled to a sigh. + If death can take so great a blight + From human lives, then let me die. + + If death must be the cost of life, + And freedom's terms are human souls, + Into the thickest of the strife + Then let me go to pay the tolls. + I would enrich my native land, + New splendor to her flag I'd give, + If where I fall shall freedom stand, + And where I die shall freedom live. + + To-morrow death with me may trade; + Let me not quibble o'er the price; + But may I, once the bargain's made, + With courage meet the sacrifice. + If happiness for ages long + My little term of life can buy, + God, for my country make me strong; + To-morrow let me bravely die. + + + + The Flag on the Farm + + + We've raised a flagpole on the farm + And flung Old Glory to the sky, + And it's another touch of charm + That seems to cheer the passer-by, + But more than that, no matter where + We're laboring in wood and field, + We turn and see it in the air, + Our promise of a greater yield. + It whispers to us all day long + From dawn to dusk: "Be true, be strong; + Who falters now with plough or hoe + Gives comfort to his country's foe." + + It seems to me I've never tried + To do so much about the place, + Nor been so slow to come inside, + But since I've got the Flag to face, + Each night when I come home to rest + I feel that I must look up there + And say: "Old Flag, I've done my best, + To-day I've tried to do my share." + And sometimes, just to catch the breeze, + I stop my work, and o'er the trees + Old Glory fairly shouts my way: + "You're shirking far too much to-day!" + + The help have caught the spirit, too; + The hired man takes off his cap + Before the old red, white and blue, + Then to the horses says: "Giddap!" + And starting bravely to the field + He tells the milkmaid by the door: + "We're going to make these acres yield + More than they've ever done before." + She smiles to hear his gallant brag, + Then drops a curtsey to the Flag, + And in her eyes there seems to shine + A patriotism that is fine. + + 'We've raised a flagpole on the farm + And flung Old Glory to the sky, + We're far removed from war's alarm, + But courage here is running high. + We're doing things we never dreamed + We'd ever find the time to do; + Deeds that impossible once seemed + Each morning now we hurry through. + The Flag now waves above our toil + And sheds its glory on the soil, + And boy and man look up to it + As if to say: "I'll do my bit!" + + + + The Mother on the Sidewalk + + + The mother on the sidewalk as the troops are marching by + Is the mother of Old Glory that is waving in the sky. + Men have fought to keep it splendid, men have died to keep it bright, + But that flag was born of woman and her sufferings day and night; + 'Tis her sacrifice has made it, and once more we ought to pray + For the brave and loyal mother of the boy that goes away. + + There are days of grief before her, there are hours that she will weep, + There are nights of anxious waiting when her fear will banish sleep; + She has heard her country calling and has risen to the test, + And has placed upon the altar of the nation's need, her best. + And no man shall ever surfer in the turmoil of the fray + The anguish of the mother of the boy who goes away. + + You may boast men's deeds of glory, you may tell their courage great, + But to die is easier service than alone to sit and wait, + And I hail the little mother, with the tear-stained face and grave + Who has given the Flag a soldier--she's the bravest of the brave. + And that banner we are proud of, with its red and blue and white + Is a lasting tribute holy to all mothers' love of right. + + + + The Big Deeds + + + We are done with little thinking and we're done with little deeds, + We are done with petty conduct and we're done with narrow creeds; + We have grown to men and women, and we've noble work to do, + And to-day we are a people with a larger point of view. + In a big way we must labor, if our Flag shall always fly. + In a big way some must suffer, in a big way some must die. + + There must be no little dreaming in the visions that we see, + There must be no selfish planning in the joys that are to be; + 'We have set our faces eastwards to the rising of the sun + That shall light a better nation, and there's big work to be done. + And the petty souls and narrow, seeking only selfish gain, + Shall be vanquished by the toilers big enough to suffer pain. + + It's a big task we have taken; 'tis for others we must fight. + We must see our duty clearly in a white and shining light; + We must quit our little circles where we've moved in little ways, + And work, as men and women, for the bigger, better days. + We must quit our selfish thinking and our narrow views and creeds. + And as people, big and splendid, we must do the bigger deeds. + + + + The Wrist Watch Man + + + He is marching dusty highways and he's riding bitter trails, + His eyes are clear and shining and his muscles hard as nails. + He is wearing Yankee khaki and a healthy coat of tan, + And the chap that we are backing is the Wrist Watch Man. + + He's no parlor dude, a-prancing, he's no puny pacifist, + And it's not for affectation there's a watch upon his wrist. + He's a fine two-fisted scrapper, he is pure American, + And the backbone of the nation is the Wrist Watch Man. + + He is marching with a rifle, he is digging in a trench, + He is swapping English phrases with a poilu for his French; + You will find him in the navy doing anything he can, + For at every post of duty is the Wrist Watch Man. + + Oh, the time was that we chuckled at the soft and flabby chap + Who wore a little wrist watch that was fastened with a strap. + But the chuckles all have vanished, and with glory now we scan + The courage and the splendor of the Wrist Watch Man. + + He is not the man we laughed at, not the one who won our jeers, + He's the man that we are proud of, he's the man that owns our cheers; + He's the finest of the finest, he's the bravest of the clan, + And I pray for God's protection for our Wrist Watch Man. + + + Follow the Flag + + + Aye, we will follow the Flag + Wherever she goes, + Into the tropic sun, + Into the northern snows; + Go where the guns ring out + Scattering steel and lead, + Painting the hills with blood, + Strewing the fields with dead. + But in each heart must be, + And back of each bitter gun, + Love for the best in life + After the fighting's done. + + Aye, we will follow the Flag + Into benighted lands, + Brave in the faith for which, + Proudly, our banner stands. + Life for her life we'll pay, + Blood for her blood we'll give, + Fighting, but not to kill, + Save that the best shall live. + But, when the cannon's roar + Dies in a hymn of peace, + Justice and truth must reign, + Power of the brute must cease. + + Aye, we will follow the Flag, + Gladly her work we'll do, + Banishing wrongs of old, + Founding the truth anew. + What though our guns must speak, + What though brave men must die, + Ages of truth to come + All this shall justify. + Men in the charms of peace, + Basking in Freedom's sun, + Some day shall bless our Flag + After our work is done. + + Aye, we will follow the Flag + Wherever she goes, + Into the tropic sun, + Into the northern snows. + Fearlessly, on we'll go + Into the cruel strife, + Gladly the few shall die, + Winning for many, life. + Tyranny's wrongs must cease, + Brutes must no longer brag, + This is our work on earth, + So we will follow the Flag. + + + + We've Had a Letter From the Boy + + + We've had a letter from the boy, + And oh, the gladness and the joy + It brought to us! We read it o'er + I'd say a dozen times or more. + We laughed until the teardrops fell + At all the fun he had to tell. + He's in the navy, wearing blue, + And everything is all so new + That he can see in youthful style + The funny things to make us smile. + + He's working hard! Between the lines + We gather that. The brass he shines + Without complaining, and the food + He gets to eat is very crude. + And yet he laughs at all his chores. + He says the maid who scrubs our floors + Will have to quit when he returns + Unless a better way she learns. + "I've got it on the fairer sex," + Says he, "since I am swabbing decks." + + "A sailor's life, dear Mom," writes he, + "Is not the life you picked for me. + And yet I'm getting fat and strong + And learning as I go along + That any life a man can find + Is apt to grow to be a grind + Unless a fellow has the wit + To see the brighter side of it. + Don't worry for your sailor son; + He sleeps well when his work is done." + + We've had a letter from the boy, + And oh, the gladness and the joy + It brought to us! 'Twas good to know + That he is facing duty so. + Between the lines that he had penned + His mother's bitter fears to end, + I saw his manhood glowing bright, + And now I know his heart is right. + Behind the laughter I could see + My boy's the man I'd hoped he'd be. + + + + Exempt + + + They have said you needn't go to the front to face the foe; + They have left you with jour women and your children safe at home; + They have spared you from the crash of the murderous guns that flash + And the horrors and the madness and the death across the foam. + But it's your fight, just the same, and your country still must claim + The splendor of your manhood and the best that you can do; + In a thousand different ways through the dark and troubled days, + You must stand behind the nation that has been so good to you. + + You're exempt from shot and shell, from the havoc and the hell + That have robbed the world of gladness; you have missed the sterner fate + Of the brave young men and fine, that are falling into line, + You may stay among your children who are swinging on the gate. + But you're not exempt from love of the Flag that flies above, + You've a greater obligation to your country to be true; + You must work from day to day in a bigger, better way + For the glory of the nation that has been so good to you. + + You are not exempt from trial, from long days of self-denial, + From devotion to your homeland and from courage in the test. + You are not exempt from giving to your country's needs and living + As a citizen and soldier--an example of the best. + You've a harder task before you than the boys who're fighting for you, + You must match their splendid courage and devotion through and through; + You must prove by fine endeavor, and by standing constant ever + That you're worthy of the country that has been so good to you. + + + + Duty + + + We know not where the path may lead nor what the end may be, + The clouds are dark above us now, the future none can see, + And yet when all the storms have passed, and cannons cease to roar, + We shall be prouder of our flag than we have been before. + + We could not longer idle stay, spectators of a wrong, + The weak were crying out for help against oppression strong; + And though we pray we may be spared the bitterness of strife, + 'Twere better that we die than live the coward's feeble life. + + We could not longer silent sit, our glory at an end, + And blind ourselves unto the wrongs committed by a friend; + We must be tolerant with all, yet in these days of hate, + Some things have happened that it would be shame to tolerate. + + And now we stand before the world, erect and calm and grave, + And speak the words that decency must rule the land and wave; + Into the chaos of despair we fling ourselves to-day + As guardians of a precious trust hate must not sweep away. + + We must rejoice, if we are men, not weak and soft of heart + That we have heeded duty's call, and taken up our part. + And when at last sweet peace shall come, and all the strife is o'er, + We shall be prouder of our flag than we have been before, + + + + A Prayer + + + God grant to us the strength of men, + The patience of the brave; + The wisdom to be silent, when + The days with doubt are grave. + When dangers come, as come they must, + Throughout the trying hours + Let us continue still to trust + That triumph shall be ours. + + We have foresworn our days of ease + To battle for the right, + To venture over troubled seas + Oppression's wrongs to fight. + And we have pledged ourselves to grief, + And bitter hurt and pain, + Then must we cling to this belief: + We suffer not in vain. + + God grant to us the strength of men, + God help us to be true + Until that glorious morning when + The world shall smile anew. + We shall be tested sore and tried, + And flayed by many fears, + Yet let us in this faith abide, + That right shall rule the years. + + + + Sympathy + + + One came to the house with a pretty speech: + "It's all for the best," said he, + And I know that he sought my heart to reach, + And I know that he grieved with me. + + But I was too full of my sorrow then + To list to his words or care; + Though I've tried I cannot recall again + The comfort he gave me there. + + But another came, and his lips were dumb + As he grasped me by the hand, + And he stammered: "Old man, I had to come, + Oh, I hope you'll understand." + + And ever since then I have felt his hand + Clasped tightly in my own, + And to-day his silence I understand-- + My sorrowing he had known. + + + + Hate + + + They say we must not hate, nor fight in hate. + I've thought it over many a solemn hour, + And cannot mildly view the man or state + That has no thought, save only to be great; + I cannot love the creature drunk with power. + I hate the hand that slaughters babes at sea, + I hate that will that orders wives to die. + And there is something rises up in me + When brutes run wild in crime and lechery + That soft adjustments will not satisfy. + + Men seldom fight the things they do not hate; + A vice grows strong on mildly tempered scorn; + Rank thrives the weed the gardeners tolerate; + You cannot stroke the snake that lies in wait, + And change his nature with to-morrow's morn. + If roses are to bloom, the weeds must go; + Vice be dethroned if virtue is to reign; + Honor and shame together cannot grow, + Sin either conquers or we lay it low, + Wrong must be hated if the truth remain. + + I hold that we must fight this war in hate-- + In bitter hate of blood in fury spilled; + Of children, bending over book and slate, + Slaughtered to make a Prussian despot great; + In hate of mothers pitilessly killed. + In hate of liars plotting wars for gain; + In hate of crimes too black for printed page; + In hate of wrongs that mark the tyrant's reign-- + And crush forever all within his train. + Such hate shall be the glory of our age. + + + + General Pershing + + + He isn't long on speeches. At the banquet table, he + Could name a dozen places where he would much rather be. + He's not one for fuss and feathers or for marching in review, + But he's busy every minute when he's got a job to do. + And you'll find him in the open, fighting hard and fighting square + For the glory of his country when his boys get over there. + + He has listened to the cheering of the splendid folks of France, + And he knows that he's the leader of America's advance, + And he knows his task is mighty and that words will not avail, + So he's standing to his duty, for he isn't there to fail. + And you'll find him cool and steady when the guns begin to flare, + And he'll talk in deeds of glory when his boys get over there. + + He has gone to face the fury of the Prussian hordes that sweep + O'er the fertile fields of Freedom, where the forms of heroes sleep, + And it seems no time for talking or for laughter or for cheers, + With the wounded all about him and their moaning in his ears. + He is waiting for to-morrow, waiting there to do his share, + And he'll strike a blow for freedom when his boys get over there. + + + + The Better Thing + + + It is better to die for the flag, + For its red and its white and its blue, + Than to hang back and shirk and to lag + And let the flag sink out of view. + It is better to give up this life + In the heat and the thick of the strife + Than to live out your days 'neath a sky, + Where Old Glory shall never more fly. + + The peace that we long for will be + Far worse than the war that we dread + If never again we're to see + The blue, and the white and the red + Wind-tossed and sun-kissed in the skies. + If ever the Stars and Stripes dies + Or loses its lustre and pride, + We shall wish in our souls we had died. + + It is better by far that we die + Than that flag shall pass out of the world; + If ever it ceases to fly, + If ever it's hauled down and furled, + Dishonor shall stamp us with shame + And freedom be naught but a name, + And the few years of dearly-bought breath + Will be filled with worse horrors than death. + + + + To a Lady Knitting + + + Little woman, hourly sitting, + Something for a soldier knitting, + What in fancy can you see? + Many pictures come to me + Through the stitch that now you're making: + I behold a bullet breaking; + I can see some soldier lying + In that garment slowly dying, + And that very bit of thread + In your fingers, turns to red. + Gray to-day; perhaps to-morrow + Crimsoned by the blood of sorrow. + + It may be some hero daring + Shall that very thing be wearing + When he ventures forth to give + Life that other men may live. + He may braver wield the saber + As a tribute to your labor, + And for that, which you have knitted, + Better for his task be fitted. + When the thread has left your finger, + Something of yourself may linger, + Something of your lovely beauty + May sustain him in his duty. + + Some one's boy that was a baby + Soon shall wear it, and it may be + He will write and tell his mother + Of the kindness of another, + And her spirit shall caress you, + And her prayers at night shall bless you. + You may never know its story, + Cannot know the grief or glory + That are destined now and hover + Over him your wool shall cover, + Nor what spirit shall invade it + Once your gentle hands have made it. + + Little woman, hourly sitting, + Something for a soldier knitting, + 'Tis no common garb you're making, + These, no common pains you're taking. + Something lovely, holy, lingers + O'er the needles in your fingers + And with every stitch you're weaving + Something of yourself you're leaving. + From your gentle hands and tender + There may come a nation's splendor, + And from this, your simple duty, + Life may win a fairer beauty. + + + + A Good Soldier + + + He writes to us most every day, and how his letters thrill us! + I can't describe the joys with which his quaint expressions fill us. + He says the military life is not of his selection, + He's only soldiering to-day to give the Flag protection. + But since he's in the army now and doing duties humble, + He'll do what all good soldiers must, and he will never grumble. + + He's not so keen for standing guard, a lonely vigil keeping, + "But when I must," he writes to us, "they'll never find me sleeping! + I hear a lot of boys complain about the tasks they set us + And there's no doubt that mother's meals can beat the ones they get us, + But since I'm here to do my bit, close to the job I'm sticking; + I'll take whatever comes my way and waste no word in kicking. + + "I'd like to be a captain, dad, a major or a colonel, + I'd like to get my picture in some illustrated journal; + I don't exactly fancy jobs that now and then come my way, + Like picking bits of rubbish up that desecrate the highway. + But still I'll do those menial tasks as cheerfully as could one, + For while I am a private here I'm going to be a good one. + + "A soldier's life is not the way I'd choose to make my living, + But now I'm in the ranks to serve, my best to it I'm giving. + Oh, I could name a dozen jobs that I'd consider finer, + But since I've got this one to do I'll never be a whiner. + I'm just a private in the ranks, but take it from my letter, + They'll never fire your son for one who'll do his duty better." + + + + His Santa Claus + + + He will not come to him this year with all his old-time joy, + An imitation Santa Claus must serve his little boy; + Last year he heard the reindeers paw the roof above his head, + And as he dreamed the kindly saint tip-toed about his bed, + But Christmas Eve he will not come by any happy chance; + This year his kindly Santa Claus must guard a trench in France. + + His mother bravely tries to smile; last Christmas Eve was gay; + Last Christmas morn his daddy rose at dawn with him to play; + This year he'll hang his stocking by the chimney, but the hands + That filled it with the joys he craved now serve in foreign lands. + He is too young to understand his mother's troubled glance, + But he that was his Santa Claus is in a trench in France. + + Somewhere in France this Christmas Eve a soldier brave will be, + And all that night in fancy he will trim a Christmas tree; + And all that night he'll live again the joys that once he had + When he was good St. Nicholas unto a certain lad. + And he will wonder if his boy, by any sad mischance, + Will find his stocking empty just because he serves in France. + + + + Show the Flag + + + Show the flag and let it wave + As a symbol of the brave; + Let it float upon the breeze + As a sign for each who sees + That beneath it, where it rides, + Loyalty to-day abides. + + Show the flag and signify + That it wasn't born to die; + Let its colors speak for you + That you still are standing true, + True in sight of God and man + To the work that flag began. + + Show the flag that all may see + That you serve humanity. + Let it whisper to the breeze + That comes singing through the trees + That whatever storms descend + You'll be faithful to the end. + + Show the flag and let it fly, + Cheering every passer-by--Men + that may have stepped aside, + May have lost their old-time pride, + May behold it there, and then + Consecrate themselves again. + + Show the flag! The day is gone + When men blindly hurry on + Serving only gods of gold; + Now the spirit that was cold + Warms again to courage fine. + Show the flag and fall in line! + + + + The Honor Roll + + + The boys upon the honor roll, God bless them all, I pray! + God watch them when they sleep at night, and guard them through the day. + We've stamped their names upon our walls, the list in glory grows, + Our brave boys and our splendid boys who stand to meet our foes. + + Oh, here are sons of mothers fair and fathers fine and true, + The little ones of yesterday, the children that we knew; + We thought of them as youngsters gay, still laughing at their games, + And then we found the honor roll emblazoned with their names. + + We missed their laughter and their cheer; it seems but yesterday + We had them here to walk with us, and now they've marched away. + And here where once their smiles were seen we keep a printed scroll; + The absent boy we long to see is on the honor roll. + + So quickly did the summons come we scarcely marked the change, + One day life marched its normal pace, the next all things seemed strange, + And when we questioned where they were, the sturdiest of us all, + We saw the silent honor roll on each familiar wall. + + The laughter that we knew has gone; the merry voice of youth + No longer rings where graybeards sit, discussing sombre truth. + No longer jests are flung about to rouse our weary souls, + For they who meant so much to us are on our honor rolls. + + + + The Princess Pats + + + A touch of the plain and the prairie, + A bit of the Motherland, too; + A strain of the fur-trapper wary, + A blend of the old and the new; + A bit of the pioneer splendor + That opened the wilderness' flats, + A touch of the home-lover, tender, + You'll find in the boys they call Pats. + + The glory and grace of the maple, + The strength that is born of the wheat, + The pride of a stock that is staple, + The bronze of a midsummer heat; + A blending of wisdom and daring, + The best of a new land, and that's + The regiment gallantly bearing + The neat little title of Pats. + + A bit of the man who has neighbored + With mountains and forests and streams, + A touch of the man who has labored + To model and fashion his dreams; + The strength of an age of clean living, + Of right-minded fatherly chats, + The best that a land could be giving + Is there in the breasts of the Pats. + + + + July the Fourth, 1917 + + + Time was the cry went round the world: + America for freedom speaks, + A new flag is to-day unfurled, + An eagle on the mountain shrieks, + A king is failing on his throne, + A race of men defies his power! + And no one could have guessed or known + The burden of that splendid hour. + + A bell rang out that summer day + And men and women stood and heard; + That tongue of brass had more to say + Than could be spoken by a word. + It spoke the thoughts of honest men, + It whispered Destiny's intents + And rang a warning loudly then + To Kings of all the continents. + + The old bell in its holy loft + Where pigeons nest, has ceased to swing + And yet through many a day and oft + A weary people hear it sing. + That hour long years ago, when first + America for freedom fought, + The bonds of slavery were burst: + That hour began the reign of thought. + + Here comes another summer day: + America is on the sea, + America has dared to say + That other people shall be free. + No selfish stain her banner mars, + Her flag, for truth and right, unfurled, + With every stripe and all its stars + Still speaks its message to the world + + Out where the soldiers fight for men, + Out where, for others, heroes die, + Out where they storm the Tyrant's den, + The Starry Banner lights the sky. + And once again the cry goes out + That brings the flush of hope to cheeks + Grown pale by bitter war and doubt: + "America for Freedom speaks." + + + + Spring in the Trenches + + + It's coming time for planting in that little patch of ground, + Where the lad and I made merry as he followed me around; + The sun is getting higher, and the skies above are blue, + And I'm hungry for the garden, and I wish the war were through. + + But it's tramp, tramp, tramp, + And it's never look behind, + And when you see a stranger's kids, + Pretend that you are blind. + + The spring is coming back again, the birds begin to mate; + The skies are full of kindness, but the world is full of hate. + And it's I that should be bending now in peace above the soil, + With laughing eyes and little hands about to bless the toil. + + But it's fight, fight, fight, + And it's charge at double-quick; + A soldier thinking thoughts of home + Is one more soldier sick. + + Last year I brought the bulbs to bloom and saw the roses bud; + This year I'm ankle deep in mire, and most of it is blood. + Last year the mother in the door was glad as she could be; + To-day her heart is full of pain, and mine is hurting me. + + But it's shoot, shoot, shoot, + And when the bullets hiss, + Don't let the tears fill up your eyes, + For weeping soldiers miss. + + Oh, who will tend the roses now and who will sow the seeds? + And who will do the heavy work the little garden needs? + And who will tell the lad of mine the things he wants to know, + And take his hand and lead him round the paths we used to go? + + For it's charge, charge, charge, + And it's face the foe once more; + Forget the things you love the most + And keep your mind on war. + + + + Bigger Than His Dad + + + He has heard his country calling, and has fallen into line, + And he's doing something bigger than his daddy ever did; + He has caught a greater vision than the finest one of mine, + And I know to-day I'm prouder of than sorry for the kid. + + His speech is soft and vibrant with the messages of truth, + And he says some things of duty that I cannot understand; + It may be that I'm selfish, but this ending of his youth + Is not the dream I cherished and it's not the thing I planned. + + I only know he's bigger in his uniform to-day + Than I, who stand and watch him as he drills, have ever been; + That he sees a greater vision of life's purpose far away, + And a finer goal to die for than my eyes have ever seen. + + I wish I felt as he does, wish I had his sense of right; + With the vision he possesses I should be supremely glad; + But I sometimes start to choking when I think of him at night-- + The boy that has grown bigger, yes, and better than his dad. + + + + The Boy's Adventure + + + "Dear Father," he wrote me from Somewhere in France, + Where he's waiting with Pershing to lead the advance, + "There's little the censor permits me to tell + Save the fact that I'm here and am happy and well. + The French people cheered as we marched from our ship + At the close of a really remarkable trip; + They danced and they screamed and they shouted and ran, + And I blush as I write. I was kissed by a man! + + "I've seen a great deal since I bade you good-bye, + I have witnessed a battle far up in the sky; + I have heard the dull roar of a long line of guns, + And seen the destruction that's worked by the Huns; + Some scenes I'll remember, and some I'll forget, + But the welcome he gave me! I'm feeling it yet. + Oh, try to imagine your boy if you can, + As he looked and he felt, being kissed by a man! + + "'Ah, Meestaire!' he cried in a voice that was shrill, + And his queer little eyes with delight seemed to fill, + And before I was wise to the custom, or knew + Just what he was up to, about me he threw + His arms, and he hugged me, and then with a squeak, + He planted a chaste little kiss on each cheek. + He was stocky and strong and his whiskers were tan. + Now please keep it dark. I've been kissed by a man." + + + + Out of It All + + + Out of it all shall come splendor and gladness; + Out of the madness and out of the sadness, + Clearer and finer the world shall arise. + Why then keep sorrow and doubt in your eyes? + + Joy shall be ours when the warfare is over; + Children shall gleefully romp in the clover; + Here with our heroes at home and at rest, + We shall rejoice with the world at its best. + + Not in vain, not in vain, is our bright banner flying; + Not for naught are the sons of our fond mothers dying; + The gloom and despair are not ever to last; + The world shall be better when they shall have passed. + + So mourn not his absence, but smile and be brave; + You shall have him again from the brink of the grave + In a wonderful world 'neath a wonderful sun; + He shall come to your arms with his victory won. + + + + The Christmas Box + + + Oh, we have shipped his Christmas box with ribbons red 'tis tied, + And he shall find the things he likes from them he loves inside, + But he must miss the kisses true and all the laughter gay + And he must miss the smiles of home upon his Christmas Day. + + He'll spend his Christmas 'neath the Flag; he'll miss each merry face, + Old Glory smiling down on him must take his mother's place, + Yet in the Christmas box we've sent, in fancy he will find + The laughter and the tears of joy that he has left behind. + + His mother's tenderness is there, his father's kindly way, + And all that went last year to make his merry Christmas Day; + He'll see once more his sister's smile, he'll hear the baby shout, + And as he opens every gift we'll gather round about. + + He cannot come to share with us the joys of Christmas Day; + The Flag has called to him, and he is serving far away. + Undaunted, unafraid and fine he stands to duty grim, + And so this Christmas we have tried to ship ourselves to him. + + + + A Plea + + + God grant me these: the strength to do + Some needed service here; + The wisdom to be brave and true; + The gift of vision clear, + That in each task that comes to me + Some purpose I may plainly see. + + God teach me to believe that I + Am stationed at a post, + Although the humblest 'neath the sky, + Where I am needed most, + And that, at last, if I do well, + My humble services will tell. + + God grant me faith to stand on guard, + Uncheered, unspoke, alone, + And see behind such duty hard + My service to the throne. + Whate'er my task, be this my creed: + I am on earth to fill a need. + + + + Your Country Needs You + + + The country needs a man like you, + It has a task for you to do. + It has a job for you to face. + Somewhere for you it has a place. + Not all the slackers dodge the work + Of service where the cannon lurk, + Not all the slackers on life's stage + Are boys of military age. + The old, the youthful and unfit + Must also do their little bit. + + The country needs a man like you, + 'Twill suffer if you prove untrue. + What though you cannot bear a gun? + That isn't all that's to be done. + There are a thousand other ways + To serve your country through the days + Of trial and the nights of storm. + You need not wear a uniform + Or with the men in council sit + To serve the Flag and do your bit. + + Somewhere for you there is a place, + Somewhere you have a task to face. + There's none so helpless or so frail + That cannot, when our foes assail, + In some way help our common cause + And be deserving of applause. + Behind the Flag we all must be, + Each at his post, awake to see + That in so far as he has striven, + His best was to his country given. + + You can be patient, brave and strong, + And not complain when plans go wrong; + You can be cheerful at your toil, + Or till, perhaps, some patch of soil; + You can encourage others who + Have heavier, greater tasks to do; + You can be loyal, not in creed + Alone, but in each thought and deed; + You can make sacrifices, too. + The country needs a man like you, + + + + A Creed + + + To keep in mind from day to day + That I'm a soldier in the fray; + That I must serve, from sun to sun, + As well as he who bears a gun + The flag that flies above us all, + And answer well my Country's call. + + I must not for one hour forget + Unto the Stars and Stripes my debt. + 'Twas spotless on' my day of birth, + And when at last I quit this earth + Old Glory still must spotless be + For all who follow after me. + + At some post where my work will fit + I must with courage do my bit; + Some portion of myself I'd give + That freedom and the Flag may live. + And in some way I want to feel + That I am doing service real. + + I must in all I say and do + Respect the red, the white and blue', + Nor dim with petty deeds of shame + The splendor of Old Glory's fame; + I must not let my standards drag, + For my disgrace would stain the Flag. + + + + The Struggle + + + Life is a struggle for peace, + A longing for rest, + A hope for the battles to cease, + A dream for the best; + And he is not living who stays + Contented with things, + Unconcerned with the work of the days + And all that it brings. + + He is dead who sees nothing to change, + No wrong to make right; + Who travels no new way or strange + In search of the light; + Who never sets out for a goal + That he sees from afar + But contents his indifferent soul + With things as they are. + + Life isn't rest--it is toil; + It is building a dream; + It is tilling a parcel of soil + Or bridging a stream; + It's pursuing the light of a star + That but dimly we see, + And in wresting from things as they are + The joy that should be. + + + + As It Looks to the Boy + + + His comrades have enlisted, but his mother bids him stay, + His soul is sick with coward shame, his head hangs low to-day, + His eyes no longer sparkle, and his breast is void of pride + And I think that she has lost him though she's kept him at her side. + Oh, I'm sorry for the mother, but I'm sorrier for the lad + Who must look on life forever as a hopeless dream and sad. + + He must fancy men are sneering as they see him walk the street, + He will feel his cheeks turn crimson as his eyes another's meet; + And the boys and girls that knew him as he was but yesterday, + Will not seem to smile upon him, in the old familiar way. + He will never blame his mother, but when he's alone at night, + His thoughts will flock to tell him that he isn't doing right. + + Oh, I'm sorry for the mother from whose side a boy must go, + And the strong desire to keep him that she feels, I think I know, + But the boy that she's so fond of has a life to live on earth, + And he hungers to be busy with the work that is of worth. + He will sicken and grow timid, he'll be flesh without a heart + Until death at last shall claim him, if he doesn't do his part. + + Have you kept him, gentle mother? Has he lost his old-time cheer? + Is he silent, sad and sullen? Are his eyes no longer clear? + Is he growing weak and flabby who but yesterday was strong? + Then a secret grief he's nursing and I'll tell you what is wrong. + All his comrades have departed on their country's noblest work, + And he hungers to be with them--it is not his wish to shirk. + + + + Fly a Clean Flag + + + This I heard the Old Flag say + As I passed it yesterday: + "Months ago your friendly hands + Fastened me on slender strands + And with patriotic love + Placed me here to wave above + You and yours. I heard you say + On that long departed day: + 'Flag of all that's true and fine, + Wave above this house of mine; + Be the first at break of day + And the last at night to say + To the world this word of cheer: + Loyalty abideth here.' + + "Here on every wind that's blown, + O'er your" portal I have flown; + Rain and snow have battered me, + Storms at night have tattered me; + Dust of street and chimney stack + Day by day have stained me black, + And I've watched you passing there, + Wondering how much you care. + Have you noticed that your flag, + Is to-day a wind-blown rag? + Has your love so careless grown + By the long neglect you've shown + That you never raise your eye + To the symbol that you fly?" + + "Flag, on which no stain has been, + 'Tis my sin that you're unclean," + Then I answered in my shame. + "On my head must lie the blame. + Now with patriotic hands + I release you from your strands, + And a spotless flag shall fly + Here to greet each passer-by. + Nevermore shall Flag of mine + Be a sad and sorry sign + Telling all who look above + I neglect the thing I love. + But my Flag of faith shall be + Fit for every eye to see." + + + + To a Kindly Critic + + + If it's wrong to believe in the land that we love + And to pray for Our Flag to the good God above; + If it's wrong to believe that Our Country is best; + That honor's her standard, and truth is her crest; + If placing her first in our prayers and our song + Is false to true reason, we're glad to be wrong. + + If it's wrong to wish victory day after day + For the troops of Our Country now marching away; + If it's wrong to believe they are moved by the right + And not by the love and the lure of the fight; + If to cheer them to battle and bid them be strong + Is false to right thinking, then let us be wrong. + + If it's wrong to believe in America's dreams + Of a freedom on earth that's as real as it seems; + If it's error to cherish the hope, through and through, + That the Stars in Old Glory's immaculate blue + Shall shine through the ages, true beacons to men, + We pray that no right phrase shall flow from our pen. + + + + War's Homecoming + + + We little thought how much they meant--the bleeding hearts of France, + And British mothers wearing black to mark some troop's advance, + The war was, O, so distant then, the grief so far away, + We couldn't see the weeping eyes, nor hear the women pray. + We couldn't sense the weight of woe that rested on that land, + But now our boy is called to go--to-day, we understand. + + There, some have heard the blackest news that o'er the wires has sped, + And some are living day by day beneath the clouds of dread; + Some fear the worst; some know the worst, but every heart is chilled, + And every soul is sorrow touched and laughter there is stilled. + There, old folks sit alone and grieve and pray for peace to come, + And now our little boy has heard the summons of the drum. + + Their grief was such a distant thing, we made it fruit for speech. + We never thought in days of old such pain our hearts would reach. + We talked of it, as people do of sorrow far aloof, + Nor dreamed such care would ever dwell beneath our happy roof. + But England's woes are ours to-day, we share the sighs of France; + Our little boy is on the sea with Death to take his chance. + + + + Next of Kin + + + I notice when the news comes in + Of one who's claimed eternal glory, + This simple phrase, "the next of kin," + Concludes the soldier's final story. + This tells the world what voice will choke, + What heart that bit of shrapnel broke, + What father or what mother brave + Will think of Flanders as a grave. + + "The next of kin," the cable cold + Wastes not a precious word in telling, + Yet cannot you and I behold + The sorrow in some humble dwelling, + And cannot you and I perceive + The brave yet lonely mother grieve + And picture, when that news comes in, + The anguish of "the next of kin?" + + For every boy in uniform, + Another soldier brave is fighting; + A double rank the cannons storm, + Two lines the cables are uniting, + And with the hurt each soldier feels, + At home the other warrior reels; + Two suffer, freedom's cause to win: + The soldier and "the next of kin." + + Oh, next of kin, be brave, be strong, + As brave as was the boy that's missing; + The years will many be and long + That you will hunger for his kissing. + Yet he enlisted you with him + To share war's bitter price and grim; + Your service runs through many years + Because your name with his appears. + + + + See It Through + + + There are many to cheer when the battle begins + There are many to shout for the right; + There are many to rail at the world and its sins + But few have the grit for the fight. + There are thousands to start with a rush for the fray + When the fighting seems easy to do, + But when danger is present and rough is the way, + The few have to see the job through. + + It is easy to quit with a battle unwon, + It is hard to press on to success; + It is easy to stop with a purpose undone, + It is hard to encounter distress. + And many will march when the roadway is clear + And the glorious goal is in view, + But the many, too often, when dangers appear, + Aren't willing to see the fight through. + + They weaken in spirit when trials grow great, + They flinch at the clashing of steel; + They talk of the strength of the foe at the gate + And whine at the hurts that they feel. + They begin to regret having ventured for right, + They sigh that they dared to be true, + They haven't the heart they once had for the fight, + They don't want to see the job through. + + We have set out to battle for justice and truth, + We have fearful disasters to meet; + We shall weep for the best of our manliest youth, + We shall suffer the pangs of defeat. + But let us stand firm for the cause that we plead, + Let the many be brave with the few; + The cry of the quitter let none of us heed + Till we've done what we started to do. + + + + Hope + + + Mine is a song of hope + For the days that lie before; + For the grander things + The morrow brings + When the struggle days are o'er. + Dark be the clouds to-day, + Bitter the winds that blow, + But falter nor fail, + Through the howling gale-- + Comes peace in the afterglow. + + Mine is the song of hope, + A song for the mother here, + Who lulls to rest + The babe at breast, + And hopes for a brighter year. + Hope is the song she sings, + Hope is the prayer she prays; + As she rocks her boy, + She dreams of the joy + He'll bring in the future days. + + Mine is the song of hope, + A song for the father, too, + Whose right arm swings, + While his anvil sings + A song of the journey through. + Hope is the star that guides, + Hope is the father's sun; + Far ahead he sees, + Through the waving trees, + Sweet peace when his work is done. + + Mine is the song of hope, + Of hope that sustains us all; + Be we young or old, + Be we weak or bold, + Do we falter or even fall, + Brightly the star of hope + From the distance is shining still; + And with courage new + We rise to do, + For hope is the God of Will. + + + + The Gold Givers + + + Oh, some shall stand in glory's light when all the strife is done, + And many a mother there shall say, "For truth I gave my son!" + But I shall stand in silence then and hear the stories brave, + For I must answer at the last that gold is all I gave. + + When all this age shall pass away, and silenced are the guns, + When sweethearts join their loves again, and mothers kiss their sons, + When brave unto the brave return, and all they did is told, + How pitiful my gift shall seem, when all I gave is gold. + + When we are asked what did you then, when all the world was red, + And some shall say, "I fell in France," and some, "I mourned my dead;" + With all the brave assembled there in glory long to live, + How trivial our lives shall seem who had but gold to give. + + + + The Undaunted + + + He tried to travel No Man's Land, that's guarded well with guns, + He tried to race the road of death, where never a coward runs. + Now he's asking of his doctor, and he's panting hard for breath, + How soon he will be ready for another bout with death. + + You'd think if you had wakened in a shell hole's slime and mud + That was partly dirty water, but was mostly human blood, + And you had to lie and suffer till the bullets ceased to hum + And the night time dropped its cover, so the stretcher boys could come-- + + You'd think if you had suffered from a fever and its thirst, + And could hear the "rapids" spitting and the high explosives burst, + And had lived to tell that story--you could face our fellow men + In the little peaceful village, though you never fought again. + + You'd think that once you'd fallen in the shrapnel's deadly rain, + Once you'd shed your blood for honor, you had borne your share of pain; + Once you'd traveled No Man's country, you'd be satisfied to quit + And be invalided homeward, and could say you'd done your bit. + + But he's lying, patched and bandaged, very white and very weak, + And he's trying to be cheerful, though it's agony to speak; + He is pleading with the doctor, though he's panting hard for breath, + To return him to the trenches for another bout with death. + + + + The Discovery of a Soul + + + _The proof of a man is the danger test_, + _That shows him up at his worst or best_. + + He didn't seem to care for work, he wasn't much at school. + His speech was slow and commonplace--you wouldn't call him fool. + And yet until the war broke out you'd calmly pass him by, + For nothing in his make-up or his way would catch your eye. + He seemed indifferent to the world, the kind that doesn't care-- + That's satisfied with just enough to eat and drink and wear; + That doesn't laugh when others do or cry when others weep, + But seems to walk the wakeful world half dormant and asleep; + Then came the war, and soldiers marched and drums began to roll, + And suddenly we realized his body held a soul. + + We little dreamed how much he loved his Country and her Flag; + About the glorious Stars and Stripes we'd never heard him brag. + But he was first to volunteer, while brilliant men demurred, + He took the oath of loyalty without a faltering word, + And then we found that he could talk, for one remembered night, + There came a preaching pacifist denouncing men who fight, + And he got up in uniform and looked at him and said: + "I wonder if you ever think about our soldiers dead. + All that you are to-day you owe some soldier in his grave; + If he had been afraid to fight, you still would be a slave." + + If he had died a year ago beneath a peaceful sky, + Unjust our memory would have been; of him our tongues would lie. + We should have missed his splendid worth, we should have called him frail + And listed him among the weak and sorry men who fail. + But few regrets had marked his end; he would have passed unmourned-- + Perhaps by those who knew him best, indifferently scorned. + But now he stands among us all, eyes bright and shoulders true, + A strong defender of the faith; a man with work to do; + And if he dies, his name shall find its place on history's scroll; + The great chance has revealed to men the splendor of his soul. + + + + Here We Are! + + + Here we are, Britain! the finest and best of us + Taking our coats off and rolling our sleeves, + Answering the thoughtless that once made a jest of us, + Each man a soldier for what he believes. + Here we are, tight little island, in unity! + Tell us the job that you want us to do! + You can depend on us all with impunity. + Give us a task and we'll all see it through. + + Here we are, France! every Yankee born man of us + Coming to stand by your side in the fight; + Liberty's cause makes a whole-hearted clan of us. + Here we are, willing to die for the right. + Silently, long from our shores we've admired you, + Secretly proud of the pluck you've displayed. + Brothers we are of the love that inspired you; + Now we are coming, full front, to your aid. + + Here we are, Allies! make room in your trenches! + Shoulder to shoulder we'll share in each drive. + Here we are! quitting our lathes and our benches, + Bringing our best that our best shall survive. + Here we are! Liberty's children, red-blooded, + Coming to share in the struggle with you, + Ready to die for the Flag that's star-studded; + Tell us the work that you want us to do. + + What is it, fighting or building you're needing? + Boring a mountain or bridging a stream, + Steel work and real work? Your call we are heeding. + Each of us here is a man with a dream. + Here we are! tacklers of tough jobs and dangers, + Any old post where you put us we'll fit; + Coming to serve you as brothers, not strangers; + Here we are, Allies! to offer our bit! + + + + We Who Stay at Home + + + When you were just our little boy, on many a night we crept + Unto your cot and watched o'er you, and all the time you slept. + We tucked the covers round your form and smoothed your pillow, too, + And sometimes stooped and kissed your cheeks, but that you never knew. + Just as we came to you back then through many a night and day, + Our spirits now shall come to you--to kiss and watch and pray. + + Whenever you shall look away into God's patch of sky + To think about the folks at home, we shall be standing by. + And as we prayed and watched o'er you when you were wrapped in sleep, + So through your soldier danger now the old-time watch we'll keep. + You will not know that we are there, you will not see or hear, + But all the time in prayer and thought we shall be very near. + + The world has made of you a man; the work of man you do, + But unto us you still remain the baby that we knew; + And we shall come, as once we did, on wondrous wings of prayer, + And you will never know how oft in spirit we are there. + We'll stand beside your bed at night, in silence bending low, + And all the love we gave you then shall follow where you go. + + Oh, we were proud of you back then, but we are prouder now; + We see the stamp of splendor God has placed upon your brow, + And we who are the folks at home shall pray the old time prayer, + And ask the God of Mercy to protect you with His care. + And as we came to you of old, although you never knew, + The hearts of us, each day and night, shall come with love to you. + + + + Do Your All + + + "Do your bit!" How cheap and trite + Seems that phrase in such a fight! + "Do your bit!" That cry recall, + Change it now to "Do your all!" + Do your all, and then do more; + Do what you're best fitted for; + Do your utmost, do and give, + You have but one life to live. + + Do your finest, do your best, + Don't let up and stop to rest, + Don't sit back and idly say: + "I did something yesterday." + Come on! Here's another hour, + Give it all you have of power. + Here's another day that needs + Everybody's share of deeds. + + "Do your bit!" of course, but then + Do it time and time again; + Giving, doing, all should be + Up to full capacity. + Now's no time to pick and choose, + We've a war we must not lose. + Be your duty great or small, + Do it well and do it all. + + Do by careful, patient living, + Do by cheerful, open giving; + Do by serving day by day + At whatever post you may; + Do by sacrificing pleasure, + Do by scorning hours of leisure. + Now to God and country give + Every minute that you live. + + + + The Future + + + "The worst is yet to come:" + So wail the doubters glum, + But here's the better view: + "My best I've yet to do." + + The worst some always fear; + To-morrow holds no cheer, + Yet farther on life's lane + Are joys you shall attain. + + Go forward bravely, then, + And play your part as men, + For this is ever true: + "Our best we've yet to do." + + + + A Father's Prayer + + + I sometimes wonder when I read the sorrow in his face + If I shall wear that look of care when time has marched apace? + My little boy is five years old and his is twenty-one; + My little boy is home with me; his boy to war has gone. + + And I can laugh and dance with life, and I can gayly jest, + But heavy is the heart to-day that beats within his breast. + Time was, his boy was five years old; time was he smiled as I; + I wonder what awaits for me when youth has journeyed by? + + Last night I sat at home and watched my little boy at play, + And all the time I thought of him whose boy has gone away. + And in the joy that I possessed I prayed in silence then + That God would quickly bring him back his little boy again. + + + + The Glory of Age + + + "What is the glory of age?" I said, + "A hoard of gold and a few dear friends? + When you've reached the day that you look ahead + And see the place where your journey ends, + When Time has robbed you of youthful might-- + What is the secret of your delight?" + + And an old man smiled as he answered me: + "The glory of age isn't gold or friends, + When we've reached the valley of Soon-To-Be + And note the place where our journey ends; + The glory of age, be it understood, + Is a boy out there who is making good. + + "The greatest joy that can come to man + When his sight is dim and his hair is gray; + The greatest glory that God can plan + To cheer the lives of the old to-day, + When they share no more in the battle yell, + Is a boy out there who is doing well." + + + + Beautifying the Flag + + + To us the Flag has little meant. + Each glorious stripe of red + Was woven there to represent + The blood of heroes dead. + On some dim, distant battle line + By other men were gained + The glories that have made it fine, + And idle we've remained. + But now the Flag shall finer grow + And ages yet to be + Shall find the courage that we show + To-day for liberty. + + Of other men the Flag has told; + It flies for others' deeds; + Its pride is born of heroes bold + Who served its by-gone needs. + But now our blood shall mingle there + With blood of patriots dead, + And through the years each stripe shall wear + A deeper, truer red. + The splendor of the flag shall gleam + In every radiant star, + And finer shall the banner seem + Because of what we are. + + To-day new glory for the Flag + We give our best to build; + Of us shall future ages brag, + By us their blood be thrilled; + And as to us the flag has meant + The greatness of the past, + The Stars and Stripes shall represent + Our courage to the last. + The children in the years to be + Our trials shall discuss, + And cheer the emblem of the free, + In part, because of us. + + + + To the Men at Home + + + No war is won by cannon fire alone; + The soldier bears the grim and dreary role; + He dies to serve the Flag that he has known; + His duty is to gain the distant goal. + But if the toiler in his homeland fair + Falter in faith and shrink from every test, + If he be not on duty ever there, + Lost to the cause is every soldier's best. + + The men at home, the toiler in the shop, + The keen-eyed watcher of the spinning drill + Hear no command to vault the trench's top; + They know not what it is to die or kill, + And yet they must be brave and constant, too. + Upon them lies their precious country's fate; + They also serve the Flag as soldiers do, + 'Tis theirs to make a nation's army great. + + You hold your country's honor in your care. + Her glory you shall help to make or mar; + For they, who now her uniforms must wear + Can be no braver soldiers than you are. + From day to day, in big and little deeds, + At bench or lathe or desk or stretch of soil, + You are the man your country sorely needs! + Will you not give to her your finest toil? + + No war is won by cannon fire alone. + The men at home must also share the fight. + By what they are, a nation's strength is shown, + The army but reflects their love of right. + Will you not help to hold our battle line, + Will you not give the fullest of your powers + In sacrifice and service that is fine + That victory shall speedily be ours? + + + + From Laughter to Labor + + + We have wandered afar in our hunting for pleasure, + We have scorned the soul's duty to gather up treasure; + We have lived for our laughter and toiled for our winning + And paid little heed to the soul's simple sinning. + But light were the burdens that freighted us then, + God and country, to-day let us prove we are men! + + We have idled and dreamed in life's merriest places, + The years have writ little of care in our faces; + We have brought up our children, expectant of gladness, + And little we've taught them of life and its sadness. + For distant and dim seemed the forces of wrong, + God and country, to-day let us prove we are strong! + + We have had our glad years, now the sad years are coming, + We have danced to gay tunes, now we march to war's drumming. + We have laughed and have loved as we pleasantly toiled, + And now we must show that our souls are unspoiled. + We must work that our Flag shall in honor still wave, + God and country, to-day let us prove we are brave! + + + + United + + + Forgotten petty difference now, + The larger purpose glows, + The storm is here, a common fear + Its deadly lightning shows. + The Ship of State must bear us all + And danger makes us kin, + As one, we all shall rise or fall, + So shall we strive to win. + + Our banner's flying at the mast, + Our course lies straight ahead; + The ocean's trough is deep and rough, + The waves are stained with red. + The bond of danger tighter grows, + We serve a common plan; + Send o'er the sea the word that we + Are all American. + + One hundred million sturdy souls + Once more united stand, + As one, you will find them all behind + The banner of our land. + And side by side they work to-day + In silken garb or rag, + And once again our troops of men + Are brothers of the flag. + + And from the storm that hovers low, + And from the angry sea + Where dangers lurk and hate's at work. + Shall come new victory. + The flag shall know not race nor creed, + Nor different bands of men; + A people strong round it shall throng + To ne'er divide again. + + + + April Thoughts + + + Listen to the laughter of the brook that's racin' by! + Listen to the chatter of the black-birds on the fence! + Stand an' see the beauties of the blue that's in the sky-- + Then ask of God why mortals haven't any better sense + Than to quarrel an' to battle + Where the guns an' cannon rattle + An' to slaughter one another an' to fill the world with hate. + God brings the buds to blossom + Where the gentle breezes toss 'em + An' the soul is blind to beauty that takes anger for its mate. + + Listen to the singin' of the robins in the trees! + See the sunbeams flashin' where they're mirrored by the stream! + Hear the drowsy buzzin' of the honey-seekin' bees, + Then draw a little closer to your God the while you dream. + When the world is dressed to cheer you + Don't you feel Him standin' near you? + When your soul drinks in the beauty of the wonders in His plan, + An' you've put away your passions, + Don't you think the works He fashions + In their beauty an' their bigness mock the littleness of man? + + Oh, I never walk an orchard nor a field with daisies strewn, + An' I never stand bare-headed gazin' everywhere about + At the living joys around me, be it morning, night or noon, + But I ask God to forgive me that I ever held a doubt. + Surely men must walk in blindness, + With the whole world tuned to kindness, + An' all dumb an' feathered creatures fairly bubblin' o'er with glee + To devote themselves to madness + That can only end in sadness + An' to think that they are being what God put them here to be. + + + + The Chaplain + + + He was just a small church parson when the war broke out, and he + Looked and dressed and acted like all parsons that we see. + He wore the cleric's broadcloth and he hooked his vest behind, + But he had a man's religion and he had a strong man's mind, + And he heard the call to duty, and he quit his church and went, + And he bravely tramped right with 'em everywhere the boys were sent. + + He put aside his broadcloth and he put the khaki on; + Said he'd come to be a soldier and was going to live like one. + Then he refereed the prize fights that the boys pulled off at night, + And if no one else was handy he'd put on the gloves and fight. + He wasn't there a fortnight ere he saw the soldiers' needs, + And he said: "I'm done with preaching; this is now the time for deeds." + + He learned the sound of shrapnel, he could tell the size of shell + From the shriek it make above him, and he knew just where it fell. + In the front line trench he labored, and he knew the feel of mud, + And he didn't run from danger and he wasn't scared of blood. + He wrote letters for the wounded, and he cheered them with his jokes, + And he never made a visit without passing round the smokes. + + Then one day a bullet got him, as he knelt beside a lad + Who was "going west" right speedy, and they both seemed mighty glad, + 'Cause he held the boy's hand tighter, and he smiled and whispered low, + "Now you needn't fear the journey; over there with you I'll go." + And they both passed out together, arm in arm I think they went. + He had kept his vow to follow everywhere the boys were sent. + + + + My Part + + + I may never be a hero, I am past the limit now, + There are pencil marks of silver Time has left upon my brow; + I shall win no service medals, I shall hear no cannons' roar, + I shall never fight a battle higher up than eagles soar, + But I hope my children's children may recall my name with pride + As a man who never whimpered when his soul was being tried. + + For the fighting and the dying for the everlasting truth + Are the labors designated for the strongest of our youth, + And the man that's nearing forty isn't asked to march away, + For there is no place in battle for the head that's turning gray. + His test is one of patience till the bitter work is done, + He must back his country's leaders till the victory is won. + + When this bitter time is ended I don't want to have it said + That I faltered in my courage and I never looked ahead, + I don't want it told I added to the burdens and the woe, + By preaching dismal doctrines that were cheering to the foe; + I want my children's children to respect me and to find + That my soul was out there fighting, though my body stayed behind. + + When this cruel test is over and the boys come back from France + I'd not have them say I hindered for a moment their advance; + That they found their duty harder than 'twas needful it should be + Because of the complaining of a lot of men like me. + Though I'll win no hero's medals and deserve no wild applause, + I want to be of service, not a hindrance to the cause. + + + + The Call + + + Some will heed the call to arms, + But all must heed the call to grit; + The dreamers on the distant farms + Must rally now to do their bit. + The whirring lathes in factories great + Will sing the martial songs of strife; + Upon the emery wheel of fate + We're grinding now the nation's life. + + The call is not alone to guns, + This is not but a battle test; + The world has summoned free men's sons + In every field to do their best. + The call has come to every man + To reach the summit of his powers; + To stand to service where he can; + A mighty duty now is ours. + + We must be stalwarts in the field + Where peace has always kept her throne, + No door against the need is sealed, + No man to-day can live alone. + The young apprentice at the bench, + The wise inventor, old and gray, + Serve with the soldier in the trench, + All warriors for the better day. + + Oh, man of science, unto you + The call for service now has come! + Mechanic, banker, lawyer, too, + Have you not heard the stirring drum? + Oh, humble digger in the ditch, + Bend to your spade and do your best, + And prove America is rich + In manhood fine for every test. + + Each man beneath the starry flag + Must live his noblest through the strife + If tyranny is not to drag + Into the mire the best of life. + Though some will wear our uniform, + We face to-day a common fate + And all must bravely breast the storm + And heed the call for courage great. + + + + Thanksgiving + + + For strength to face the battle's might, + For men that dare to die for right, + For hearts above the lure of gold + And fortune's soft and pleasant way, + For courage of our days of old, + Great God of All, we kneel and pray. + + We thank Thee for our splendid youth. + Who fight for liberty and truth, + Within whose breasts there glows anew + The glory of the altar fires + Which our heroic fathers knew-- + God make them worthy of their sires! + + We thank Thee for our mothers fair + Who through the sorrows they must bear + Still smile, and give their hearts to woe, + Yet bravely heed the day's command-- + That mothers, yet to be, may know + A free and glorious motherland. + + Oh, God, we thank Thee for the skies + Where our flag now in glory flies! + We thank Thee that no love of gain + Is leading us, but that we fight + To keep our banner free from stain + And that we die for what is right. + + Oh, God, we thank Thee that we may + Lift up our eyes to Thee to-day; + We thank Thee we can face this test + With honor and a spotless name, + And that we serve a world distressed + Unselfishly and free from shame. + + + + A Patriotic Wish + + + I'd like to be the sort of man the flag could boast about; + I'd like to be the sort of man it cannot live without; + I'd like to be the type of man + That really is American: + The head-erect and shoulders-square, + Clean-minded fellow, just and fair, + That all men picture when they see + The glorious banner of the free. + + I'd like to be the sort of man the flag now typifies, + The kind of man we really want the flag to symbolize; + The loyal brother to a trust, + The big, unselfish soul and just, + The friend of every man oppressed, + The strong support of all that's best-- + The sturdy chap the banner's meant, + Where'er it flies, to represent. + + I'd like to be the sort of man the flag's supposed to mean, + The man that all in fancy see, wherever it is seen; + The chap that's ready for a fight + Whenever there's a wrong to right, + The friend in every time of need, + The doer of the daring deed, + The clean and generous handed man + That is a real American. + + + + A Patriot + + + It's funny when a feller wants to do his little bit, + And wants to wear a uniform and lug a soldier's kit, + And ain't afraid of submarines nor mines that fill the sea, + They will not let him go along to fight for liberty + They make him stay at home and be his mother's darling pet, + But you can bet there'll come a time when they will want me yet. + + I want to serve the Stars and Stripes, I want to go and fight, + I want to lick the Kaiser good, and do the job up right. + I know the way to use _a_ gun and I can dig a trench + And I would like to go and help the English and the French. + But no, they say, you cannot march away to stirring drums; + Be mother's angel boy at home; stay there and twirl your thumbs. + + I've read about the daring boys that fight up in the sky; + It seems to me that that must be a splendid way to die. + I'd like to drive an aeroplane and prove my courage grim + And get above a German there and drop a bomb on him, + But they won't let me go along to help the latest drive; + They say my mother needs me here because I'm only five. + + + + Memorial Day + + + The finest tribute we can pay + Unto our hero dead to-day, + Is not a rose wreath, white and red, + In memory of the blood they shed; + It is to stand beside each mound, + Each couch of consecrated ground, + And pledge ourselves as warriors true + Unto the work they died to do. + + Into God's valleys where they lie + At rest, beneath the open sky, + Triumphant now, o'er every foe, + As living tributes let us go. + No wreath of rose or immortelles + Or spoken word or tolling bells + Will do to-day, unless we give + Our pledge that liberty shall live. + + Our hearts must be the roses red + We place above our hero dead; + To-day beside their graves we must + Renew allegiance to their trust; + Must bare our heads and humbly say + We hold the Flag as dear as they, + And stand, as once they stood, to die + To keep the Stars and Stripes on high. + + The finest tribute we can pay + Unto our hero dead to-day + Is not of speech or roses red, + But living, throbbing hearts instead + That shall renew the pledge they sealed + With death upon the battlefield: + That freedom's flag shall bear no stain + And free men wear no tyrant's chain. + + + + The Soldier on Crutches + + + He came down the stairs on the laughter-filled grill + Where patriots were eating and drinking their fill, + The tap of his crutch on the marble of white + Caught my ear as I sat all alone there that night. + I turned--and a soldier my eyes fell upon, + He had fought for his country, and one leg was gone! + + As he entered a silence fell over the place; + Every eye in the room was turned up to his face. + His head was up high and his eyes seemed aflame + With a wonderful light, and he laughed as he came. + He was young--not yet thirty--yet never he made + One sign of regret for the price he had paid. + + One moment before this young soldier came in + I had caught bits of speech in the clatter and din + From the fine men about me in life's dress parade + Who were boasting the cash sacrifices they'd made; + And I'd thought of my own paltry service with pride, + When I turned and that hero of battle I spied. + + I shall never forget the hot flushes of shame + That rushed to my cheeks as that young fellow came. + He was cheerful and smiling and clear-eyed and fine + And out of his face golden light seemed to shine. + And I thought as he passed me on crutches: + "How small + Are the gifts that I make if I don't give my all." + + Some day in the future in many a place + More soldiers just like him we'll all have to face. + We must sit with them, talk with them, laugh with them, too, + With the signs of their service forever in view + And this was my thought as I looked at him then + --Oh, God! make me worthy to stand with such men. + + + + The Friendly Greeting + + + Oh, we have friends in England, and we have friends in France, + And should we have to travel there through some strange circumstance, + Undaunted we should sail away, and gladly should we go, + Because awaiting us would be somebody that we know. + + Full many a journey here we make where countless strangers roam, + Yet everywhere our faces turn we find a friend from home. + Oh, we have friends in distant towns, and friends 'neath foreign skies, + And yet we think of him as lost whene'er a loved one dies. + + Yet he has merely traveled on, as many a friend must do; + Within a distant city fair he waits for me and you, + And when shall come our time to make that journey through the gloam, + To welcome us he will be there, the smiling friend from home. + + + + We Need a Few More Optimists + + + We need a few more optimists, + The kind that double up their fists + And set their jaws, determined-like, + A blow at infamy to strike. + Not smiling men, who drift along + And compromise with every wrong; + Not grinning optimists who cry + That right was never born to die, + But optimists who'll fight to give + The truth an honest chance to live. + + We need a few more optimists + For places in our fighting lists, + The kind of hopeful men who make + Real sacrifice for freedom's sake; + The optimist, with purpose strong, + Who stands to battle every wrong, + Takes off his coat, and buckles in + The better joys of earth to win! + The optimist who worries lest + The vile should overthrow the best. + + We need a few more optimists, + The brave of heart that long resists + The force of Hate and Greed and lust + And keeps in God and man his trust, + Believing, as he makes his fight + That everything will end all right-- + Yet through the dreary days and nights + Unfalteringly serves and fights, + And helps to gain the joys which he + Believes are some day sure to be. + + We need a few more optimists + Of iron hearts and sturdy wrists; + Not optimists who smugly smile + And preach that in a little while + The clouds will fade before the sun, + But cheerful men who'll bear a gun, + And hopeful men, of courage stout, + Who'll see disaster round about + And yet will keep their faith, and fight, + And gain the victory for right. + + + + Taking His Place + + + He's doing double duty now; + Time's silver gleams upon his brow, + And there are lines upon his face + Which only passing years can trace. + And yet he's turned back many a page + Long written in the book of age, + For since their boy has marched away, + This kindly father, growing gray, + Is doing for the mother true + The many things the boy would do. + + Just as the son came home each night + With youthful step and eyes alight, + So he returns, and with a shout + Of greeting puts her grief to rout. + He says that she shall never miss + The pleasure of that evening kiss, + And with strong arms and manner brave + He simulates the hug _he_ gave, + And loves her, when the day is done, + Both as a husband and a son. + + His laugh has caught a clearer ring; + His step has claimed the old-time swing, + And though _his_ absence hurts him, too, + The bravest thing that he can do + Is just to try to take _his_ place + And keep the smiles on mother's face. + So, merrily he jests at night-- + Tells her with all a boy's delight + Of what has happened in the town, + And thus keeps melancholy down. + + Her letters breathe of hope and cheer; + No note of gloom she sends from here, + And as her husband reads at night + The many messages she writes, + He chuckles o'er the closing line. + She's failed his secret to divine-- + "When you get home," she tells the lad, + "You'll scarcely know your doting dad; + Although his hair is turning gray, + He seems more like a boy each day." + + + + Christmas, 1918 + + + They give their all, this Christmastide, that peace on earth shall reign; + Upon the snows of Flanders now, brave blood has left its stain; + With ribbons red we deck our gifts; theirs bear the red of pain. + + They give their lives that joy shall live and little children play; + They pass that all that makes for peace shall not be swept away; + They die that children yet unborn shall have their Christmas Day. + + Come! deck the home with holly wreaths and make this Christmas glow, + And let Old Glory wave above the bough of mistletoe! + Come! keep alive the faith of them who sleep 'neath Flanders snow. + + Ye brave of heart who dwell at home, make merry now a-while; + The world has need of Christmas cheer its sorrows to beguile; + And blest is he whose love can light grief's corners with a smile. + + Ring out once more, sweet Christmas bells, your message to the sky, + Proclaim in golden tones again to every passer-by + That peace shall rule the lands of earth, and only war shall die. + + Let love's sweet tenderness relieve war's cruel crimson clutch, + Send forth the Christmas spirit, every troubled heart to touch; + Blest will be all we do for them who do for us so much. + + + + The New Year + + + Come you with dangers to fright us? or hazards + to try out our souls? + Then may you find us undaunted; determined to + get to our goals. + Now, white are the pages you bring us to fill + with the tales of our deeds, + And I pray we shall square at the finish the work + of our lives with our creeds. + + Oh, child of a year, do you wonder what here + upon earth you shall find? + America shows you a people united in purpose + and mind; + Whatever you bring us of danger, whatever you + hold to affright, + I pray that we never shall lower our standards + of truth and of right. + + You find us a people united, full pledged to the + work of the world, + To banish the despot and tyrant, our banner in + battle's unfurled; + And here to a world that is bleeding and weary + and heartsick you come, + Whatever you've brought us of duty--we'll + answer the call of your drum. + + We may weep in our grief and our sorrows, we + may bend 'neath the might of the blow, + But never our courage shall falter, and never + we'll run from the foe. + We know not how troubled our pathways shall + be nor how sorely beset, + But I pray we shall cling to our honor as men + and never our purpose forget. + + + + Our Duty to Our Flag + + + Less hate and greed + Is what we need + And more of service true; + More men to love + The flag above + And keep it first in view. + + Less boast and brag + About the flag, + More faith in what it means; + More heads erect, + More self-respect, + Less talk of war machines. + + The time to fight + To keep it bright + Is not along the way, + Nor 'cross the foam, + But here at home + Within ourselves--to-day. + + 'Tis we must love + That flag above + With all our might and main; + For from our hands-- + Not distant lands-- + Shall come dishonor's stain. + + If that flag be + Dishonored, we + Have done it---not the foe; + If it shall fall, + We, first of all, + Shall have to strike the blow. + + + + The Unsettled Scores + + + The men are talking peace at 'ome, but 'ere we're talking fight, + There's many a little debt we've got to square; + A sniper sent a bullet through my bunkie's 'ead last night, + And 'is body's lying somewhere h'over there. + + Oh, we 'ear a lot of rumors that the war is h'almost through + But Hi'm thinking that it's only arf begun; + Every soldier in the trenches has a little debt that's due + And Hi'm telling you it's not a money one. + + We 'ave 'eard the bullets whistle and we've 'card the shrapnel sing + And we've listened to a dying comrade's pleas, + And we've 'eard about the comfort that the days of peace will bring, + But we've debts that can't be settled h'over seas. + + They that 'aven't slept in trenches, 'aven't brothered with the worms, + 'Aven't 'ad a bunkie slaughtered at their side, + May some day get together and arrange some sort of terms, + But it isn't likely we'll be satisfied. + + There are debts we want to settle, 'and to 'and, and face to face, + There are one or two Hi've promised that Hi'd square; + And Hi cannot 'old my 'ead up, 'ere or in the other place, + Till Hi've settled for my bunkie, lying there. + + + + Warriors + + + We all are warriors with sin. Crusading knights, + we come to earth + With spotless plumes and shining shields to joust + with foes and prove our worth. + The world is but a battlefield where strong and + weak men fill the lists, + And some make war with humble prayers, and + some with swords and some with fists. + And some for pleasure or for peace forsake their + purposes and goals + And barter for the scarlet joys of ease and pomp, + their knightly souls. + + We're all enlisted soldiers here, in service for + the term called life + And each of us in some grim way must bear his + portion of the strife. + Temptations everywhere assail. Men do not rise + by fearing sin, + Nor he who keeps within his tent, unharmed, + unscratched, the crown shall win. + When wrongs are trampling mortals down and + rank injustice stalks about, + Real manhood to the battle flies, and dies or puts + the foes to rout. + + 'Tis not the new and shining blade that marks + the soldier of the field, + His glory is his broken sword, his pride the + scars upon his shield; + The crimson stains that sin has left upon his + soul are tongues that speak + The victory of new found strength by one who + yesterday was weak. + And meaningless the spotless plume, the shining + blade that goes through life + And quits this naming battlefield without one + evidence of strife. + + We all are warriors with sin, we all are knights + in life's crusades, + And with some form of tyranny, we're sent to + earth to measure blades. + The courage of the soul must gleam in conflict + with some fearful foe, + No man was ever born to life its luxuries alone + to know. + And he who brothers with a sin to keep his outward + garb unsoiled + And fears to battle with a wrong, shall find his + soul decayed and spoiled. + + + + Easy Service + + + When an empty sleeve or a sightless eye + Or a legless form I see, + I breathe my thanks to my God on High + For His watchful care o'er me. + And I say to myself, as the cripple goes + Half stumbling on his way: + I may brag and boast, but that brother knows + Why the old flag floats to-day. + + I think as I sit in my cozy den + Puffing one of my many pipes + That I've served with all of my fellow men + The glorious Stars and Stripes. + Then I see a troop in the faded blue + And a few in the dusty gray, + And I have to laugh at the deeds I do + For the flag that floats to-day. + + I see men tangled in pointed wire, + The sport of the blazing sun, + Mangled and maimed by a leaden fire + As the tides of battle run, + And I fancy I hear their piteous calls + For merciful death, and then + The cannons cease and the darkness falls, + And those fluttering things are men. + + Out there in the night they beg for death, + Yet the Reaper spurns their cries, + And it seems his jest to leave them breath + For their pitiful pleas and sighs. + And I am here in my cozy room + In touch with the joys of life, + I am miles away from the fields of doom + And the gory scenes of strife. + + I never have vainly called for aid, + Nor suffered real pangs of thirst, + I have marched with life in its best parade + And never have seen its worst. + In the flowers of ease I have ever basked, + And I think as the Flag I see + How much of service from some it's asked, + How little of toil from me. + + + + A Father's Thoughts + + + Because I am his father, they + Expect me to put grief away; + Because I am a man, and rough + And sometimes short of speech and gruff, + The women folks at home believe + His absence doesn't make me grieve; + But how I felt, they little know, + The day I smiled and let him go. + + They little know the dreams I had + Long cherished for my sturdy lad; + They little guess the wrench it meant + That day when off to war he went; + They little know the tears I checked + While standing, smiling and erect; + They never heard my smothered sigh + When it was time to say good-bye. + + "What does his father think and say?" + The neighbors ask from day to day. + "Oh, he's a man," they answer then. + "And you know how it is with men. + But little do they ever say, + They do not feel the self-same way; + He seems indifferent and grim + And yet he's very proud of him." + + Indifferent and grim! Oh, heart, + Be brave enough to play the part, + Let not the grief in you be shown, + Keep all your loneliness unknown, + To you the women folks must turn + For comfort when their sorrows burn. + You must not at this time reveal + The pain and anguish that you feel. + + Oh, tongue, be silent through the years, + And eyes, keep back always the tears, + And let them never see or know + My hidden weight of grief and woe. + Though every golden dream I had + Was centered in my little lad, + Alone my sorrow I must bear. + They must not know how much I care. + + Though women folks may talk and weep, + A man, unseen, his grief must keep, + And hide behind his smile and pride + The loneliness that dwells inside. + And so, from day to day, I go, + Playing the part of man, although + Beneath the rough outside and grim, + I think and dream and pray for him. + + + + The Waiter at the Camp + + + The officers' friend is the waiter at camp. + In the night air 'twas cold and was bitterly damp, + And they asked me to dine, which I readily did, + For at dining I've talents I never keep hid. + Then a bright-eyed young fellow came in with the meat, + And straightway the troop of us started to eat. + + I silently noticed that young fellow wait + At each officer's side 'til he'd filled up his plate; + I was startled a bit at the very first look + By the size of the helping each officer took, + And I thought as I sat there among them that night + Of the army's effect on a man's appetite. + + The waiter at last brought the platter to me + And modestly proper I started to be. + A small piece of meat then I gracefully took; + The young fellow stood there and gave me a look. + "Better get all you want," he remarked to me then, + "I pass this way once, but I don't come again." + + I turned in amazement. He nodded his head + In a way that convinced me he meant what he said. + I knew from his manner and smile on his lip + That the rule in the army is "no second trip." + And I thought as he left me my food to attack, + Life gives us one chance, but it never comes back. + + + + The Complacent Slacker + + + When he was just a lad in school, + He used to sit around and fool + And watch the clock and say: + "I can't see that I'll ever need + This stuff the teacher makes me read, + I'll work no more to-day. + And anyhow it's almost June + And school days will be over soon." + + One time we played a baseball game, + And when a chance for stealing came, + On second base he stood, + And when we asked him why, he said: + "What was the use, they're far ahead, + One run would do no good. + The game is almost over now, + We couldn't win it anyhow." + + The same old slacker still is he, + With men at war on land and sea, + And our lads plunging in it; + He spreads afar his old excuse. + "I'd like to help, but what's the use, + The Allied troops will win it. + There's nothing now to make us fret, there, + They'll have it won before we get there." + + The worst of slackers is the man + Who will not help whene'er he can, + But plays the idle rover, + And tells to all beset with doubt + There's naught to be alarmed about, + The storm will soon be over. + Let no such dangerous person lead us, + To-day in France they sadly need us. + + + + A Christmas Greeting + + + Here's to you, little mother, + With your boy so far away; + May the joy of service smother + All your grief this Christmas day; + May the magic of his splendor + Thrill your spirit through and through + And may all that's fine and tender + Make a smiling day for you. + + May you never know the sadness + That from day to day you dread; + May you never find but gladness + In the Flag that's overhead; + May the good God watch above him + As he stands to duty stern, + And at last to all who love him + May he have a safe return. + + Little mother, take the blessing + Of a grateful nation's heart; + May the news that is distressing + Never cause your tears to start; + May there be no fears to haunt you, + And no lonely hours and sad; + May your trials never daunt you, + But may every day be glad. + + Little Mother, could I do it, + This my Christmas gift would be: + That he'd safely battle through it, + This to you I'd guarantee. + And I'd pledge to you this morning + Joys to banish all your cares, + Gifts of gold and silver scorning, + I would answer all your prayers. + + + + Ideals + + + Better than land or gold or trade + Are a high ideal and a purpose true; + Better than all of the wealth we've made + Is the work for others that now we do. + For Rome grew rich and she turned to song + And danced to music and drank her wine, + But she sapped the strength of her fibres strong + And a gilded shroud was her splendor fine. + + The Rome of old with its wealth and wine + Was the handiwork of a sturdy race; + They builded well and they made it fine + And they dreamed of it as their children's place. + They thought the joys they had won to give, + And which seemed so certain and fixed and sure, + To the end of time in the world would live + And the Rome they'd fashioned would long endure. + + They passed to their children the hoarded gold, + Their marble halls and their fertile fields! + But not the spirit of Rome of old, + Nor the Roman courage that never yields. + They left them the wealth that their hands had won, + But they failed to leave them a purpose true. + They left them thinking life's work all done, + And Rome went down and was lost to view. + + We must guard ourselves lest we follow Rome. + We must leave our children the finer things. + We must teach them love of the spot called home + And the lasting joy that a purpose brings. + For vain are our Flag and our battles won, + And vain are our lands and our stores of gold, + If our children feel that life's work is done. + We must give them a high ideal to hold. + + + + Rebellion + + + "My Crown Prince was fine and fair," a sorrowful + father said, + "But he marched away with his regiment and + they tell me that he's dead! + 'We all must go,' he whispered low, 'We must + fight for the Fatherland.' + Now the heart of me's torn with the grief I + know, and I cannot understand, + For none of the Kaiser's princes lie out there + where my soldier sleeps; + Here's a land where grief is the common lot, but + never the Kaiser weeps. + + "My Crown Prince was a kindly prince, and his + eyes were gentle, too, + And glad were the days of his youth to me when + his wonderful smile I knew. + Then the Kaiser flattered and spoke him well, + and he sent him out to die, + But his Crown Prince hasn't felt one hurt and + the heart of me questions why? + He talks of war in his regal way and he boasts + of his strength to strike, + But his boys all live and he doesn't know what + the sting of a bullet's like. + + "Rebellion gnaws at the soul of me as I think + of his Crown Prince gay, + And my Prince cold in the arms of death, and + harsh are the things I say. + I join with the grief-torn muttering men who + challenge the Kaiser's right + To build his joys on the graves of ours. We + shall rise in our wrath to smite! + And this is the thing we shall ask of him: to + give us the reason why + Our boys must fall on his battlefields, but never + his boys must die?" + + + + Drafted + + + The biggest moment in our lives was that when first he cried, + From that day unto this, for him, we've struggled side by side. + We can recount his daily deeds, and backwards we can look, + And proudly live again the time when first a step he took. + + I see him trudging off to school, his mother at his side, + And when she left him there alone she hurried home and cried. + And then the sturdy chap of eight that was, I proudly see, + Who packed a little grip and took a fishing trip with me. + + Among the lists of boys to go his name has now appeared; + To us has come the sacrifice that mothers all have feared; + And though we dread the parting hour when he shall march away, + We love him and the Flag too much to ask of him to stay. + + His baby ways shall march with him, and every joy we've had, + Somewhere in France some day shall be a little brown-eyed lad; + A toddler and a child at school, the chum that once I knew + Shall wear our country's uniform, for they've been drafted, too. + + + + Reflection + + + You have given me riches and ease, + You have given me joys through the years, + I have sat in the shade of your trees, + With the song of your birds in my ears. + I have drunk of your bountiful wine + And done as I've chosen to do, + But, oh wonderful country of mine, + 'How little have I done for you! + + You have given me safe harbor from harm, + Untroubled I've slept through the nights + And have waked to the new morning's charm + And claimed as my own its delights. + I have taken the finest of fine + From your orchards and fields where it grew, + But, oh wonderful country of mine, + How little I've given to you! + + You have given me a home and a place + Where in safety my babies may play; + Health blooms on each bright dimpled face + And laughter is theirs every day. + You have guarded from danger the shrine + Where I worship when toiling is through, + But, oh wonderful country of mine, + How little have I done for you! + + I have taken your gifts without thought, + I have reveled in joys that you gave, + That I see now with blood had been bought, + The blood of your earlier braves. + I have lived without making one sign + That the source of my riches I knew, + Now, oh wonderful country of mine, + I'm here to do something for you! + + + + A Wish + + + God grant my children may + Not think in terms of gold + When I have passed away + And my poor form is cold. + When I no more shall be, + If of me they would brag, + I'd have them speak of me + As one who loved the Flag. + + God grant my children may + Not speak of me as one + Who trod a selfish way, + When I am dead and gone. + When they recall my name + I'd have them tell that I + Held dear my Country's fame + And kept her standards high. + + Not for the things I gave + Would I be counted kind; + When I am in my grave, + If they my worth would find, + I'd have them read it there + In red and white and blue + And stars of radiance rare! + And say that I was true. + + + + Living + + + If through the years we're not to do + Much finer deeds than we have done; + If we must merely wander through + Time's garden, idling in the sun; + If there is nothing big ahead, + Why do we fear to join the dead? + + Unless to-morrow means that we + Shall do some needed service here; + That tasks are waiting you and me + That will be lost, save we appear; + Then why this dreadful thought of sorrow + That we may never see to-morrow? + + If all our finest deeds are done, + And all our splendor's in the past; + If there's no battle to be won, + What matter if to-day's our last? + Is life so sweet that we would live + Though nothing back to life we give? + + Not to have lived through seventy years + Is greatness. Fitter to be sung + In poet's praises and in cheers + Is he who dies in action, young; + Who ventures all for one great deed + And gives his life to serve life's need. + + + + Life's Slacker + + + The saddest sort of death to die + Would be to quit the game called life + And know, beneath the gentle sky, + You'd lived a slacker in the strife. + That nothing men on earth would find + To mark the spot that you had filled; + That you must go and leave behind + No patch of soil your hands had tilled. + + I know no greater shame than this: + To feel that yours were empty years; + That after death no man would miss + Your presence in this vale of tears; + That you had breathed the fragrant air + And sat by kindly fires that burn, + And in earth's riches had a share + But gave no labor in return. + + Yet some men die this way, nor care: + They enter and they leave life's door + And at the end, their record's bare-- + The world's no better than before. + A few false tears are shed, and then, + In busy service, they're forgot. + We have no time to mourn for men + Who lived on earth but served it not. + + A man in perfect peace to die + Must leave some mark of toil behind, + Some building towering to the sky, + Some symbol that his heart was kind, + Some roadway where strange feet may tread + That out of gratitude he made; + He cannot bravely look ahead + Unless his debt to life is paid. + + + + The Proof of Worth + + + Though victory's proof of the skill you possess, + Defeat is the proof of your grit; + A weakling can smile in his days of success, + But at trouble's first sign he will quit. + So the test of the heart and the test of your pluck + Isn't skies that are sunny and fair, + But how do you stand to the blow that is struck + And how do you battle despair? + + A fool can seem wise when the pathway is clear + And it's easy to see the way out, + But the test of man's judgment is something to fear, + And what does he do when in doubt? + And the proof of his faith is the courage he shows + When sorrows lie deep in his breast; + It's the way that he suffers the griefs that he knows + That brings out his worst or his best. + + The test of a man is how much he will bear + For a cause which he knows to be right, + How long will he stand in the depths of despair, + How much will he suffer and fight? + There are many to serve when the victory's near + And few are the hurts to be borne, + But it calls for a leader of courage to cheer + The men in a battle forlorn. + + It's the way you hold out against odds that are great + That proves what your courage is worth, + It's the way that you stand to the bruises of fate + That shows up your stature and girth. + And victory's nothing but proof of your skill, + Veneered with a glory that's thin, + Unless it is proof of unfaltering will, + And unless you have suffered to win. + + + + Follow a Famous Father + + + I follow a famous father, + His honor is mine to wear; + He gave me a name that was free from shame, + A name he was proud to bear. + He lived in the morning sunlight, + And marched in the ranks of right. + He was always true to the best he knew + And the shield that he wore was bright. + + I follow a famous father, + And never a day goes by + But I feel that he looks down to me + To carry his standard high. + He stood to the sternest trials + As only a brave man can; + Though the way be long, I must never wrong + The name of so good a man. + + I follow a famous father, + Not known to the printed page, + Nor written down in the world's renown + As a prince of his little age. + But never a stain attached to him + And never he stooped to shame; + He was bold and brave and to me he gave + The pride of an honest name. + + I follow a famous father, + And him I must keep in mind; + Though his form is gone, I must carry on + The name that he left behind. + It was mine on the day he gave it, + It shone as a monarch's crown, + And as fair to see as it came to me + It must be when I pass it down. + + + + The Important Thing + + + He was playing in the garden when we called him in for tea, + But he didn't seem to hear us, so I went out there to see + What the little rogue was up to, and I stooped and asked him why, + When he heard his mother calling, he had made her no reply. + "I am playing war," he told me, "and I'm up against defeat, + And until I stop the Germans I can't take the time to eat." + + "Isn't supper so important that you'll quit your round of play? + Don't you want to eat the shortcake mother made for you to-day?" + Then I asked him, but he answered as he shook his little head: + "I don't dare to stop for shortcake, if I do they'll kill me dead! + When I drive them from their trenches, then to supper I'll come in, + But I mustn't stop a minute, 'cause this war I've got to win." + + I left him in his battle, left him there to end his play, + For he'd taught to me a lesson that is needed much to-day; + Not the lure of cake could turn him from the work he had to do; + There was nothing so important as to see his struggle through. + And I wondered all that evening, as he slumbered in his bed + If we'd risen to the meaning of the work that lies ahead? + + Are we roused to the importance of the danger in our way? + Are we thinking still of pleasures as we thought but yesterday? + Are our comforts and our riches in our minds still uppermost? + Must we wait, to see our danger, till the foe is on our coast? + Oh, there's nothing so important, nothing now that's worth a pin + Save the war that we are fighting. It's a war we've got to win. + + + + Selfishness + + + Search history, my boy, and see + What petty selfishness has done. + Find if you can one victory + That little minds have ever won. + There is no record there to read + Of men who fought for self alone, + No instance of a single deed + splendor they may proudly own. + + Through all life's story you will find + The miser--with his hoarded gold-- + A hermit, dreary and unkind, + An outcast from the human fold. + Men hold him up to view with scorn, + A creature by his wealth enslaved, + A spirit craven and forlorn, + Doomed by the money he has saved. + + No man was ever truly great + Who sought to serve himself alone, + Who put himself above the state, + Above the friends about him thrown. + No man was ever truly glad + Who risked his joy on hoarded pelf, + And gave of nothing that he had + Through fear of needing it himself. + + For selfishness is wintry cold, + And bitter are its joys at last, + The very charms it tries to hold, + With woes are quickly overcast. + And only he shall gladly live, + And bravely die when God shall call, + Who gathers but that he may give, + And with his fellows shares his all. + + + + Constant Beauty + + + It's good to have the trees again, the singing of the breeze again, + It's good to see the lilacs bloom as lovely as of old. + It's good that we can feel again, the touch of beauties real again, + For hearts and minds, of sorrow now, have all that they can hold. + + The roses haven't changed a bit, nor have the peonies stranged a bit, + They bud and bloom the way they did before the war began. + The world is upside down to-day, there's much to make us frown to-day + And gloom and sadness everywhere beset the path of man. + + But now the lilacs bloom again and give us their perfume again + And now the roses smile at us and nod along the way; + And it is good to see again the blossoms on each tree again + And feel that nature hasn't changed the way we have to-day. + + Oh, we have changed from what we were, we're not the carefree lot we were, + Our hearts are filled with sorrow now and grave concern and pain, + But it is good to see once more the budding lilac tree once more, + And find the constant roses here to comfort us again. + + + + When the Drums Shall Cease to Beat + + + When will the laughter ring again in the way that it used to do? + Not till the soldiers come home again, not till the war is through. + When will the holly gleam again and the Christmas candles burn? + Not till the swords are sheathed once more and the brave of our + land return. + + When will happy hearts meet again in the lights of the Christmas tree? + Not till the cannons cease their roar and the sailors come from sea. + When shall we sing as we used to do and dance in the old-time way? + Not till the soldiers come home again and the bugles cease to play. + + Oh, dull is the red of the holly now and faintly the candles burn; + And we long for the smile of the missing face and the absent one's return. + We long for the laughter we used to know and the love that made + giving sweet, + But we must wait for the joys of old till the drums shall cease to beat. + + We shall laugh once more as we used to do, and dance in the old-time way, + For this is the pledge they have made to us who serve in the war to-day; + And the joys of home that we treasure so are the joys that their lives + defend, + And they shall give us our Christmas time as soon as the war shall end. + + + + Prophecy + + + We shall thank our God for graces + That we've never known before; + We shall look on manlier faces + When our troubled days are o'er. + We shall rise a better nation + From the battle's grief and grime, + And shall win our soul's salvation + In this bitter trial time. + And the old Flag waving o'er us + In the dancing morning sun + Will be daily singing for us + Of a splendor new begun. + + When the rifles cease to rattle + And the cannon cease to roar, + When is passed the smoke of battle + And the death lists are no more, + With a yet undreamed of beauty + As a people we shall rise, + And a love of right and duty + Shall be gleaming in our eyes. + As a country, tried by sorrow, + With a heritage of worth, + We shall stand in that to-morrow + With the leaders of the earth. + + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVER HERE*** + + +******* This file should be named 16632.txt or 16632.zip ******* + + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: +https://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/6/6/3/16632 + + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: +https://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + diff --git a/16632.zip b/16632.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5296e73 --- /dev/null +++ b/16632.zip diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ecd3b3f --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #16632 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/16632) |
