Crippled Soldier

I may have used but half my strength, And you but half your mind, To help the Cause for which he bled, Leaving a limb behind.

You may have stumbled in your task, I may have limped and failed. But he leaped forth to give his hope, Nor once looked back, nor quailed.

We may be scarred with vain regret For duties left undone, With stiffened limbs and slackened hearts, When the great war is won.

Then who will say that he is lame, While we are safe and whole? Who bears dread wounds for others’ sake Has the uncrippled soul.

And life for him may now begin, With a new hope at heart, While we, disfigured, face a peace In which we won no part.