To You Who Have Lost

I know! I know!-- The ceaseless ache, the emptiness, the woe,-- The pang of loss,-- The strength that sinks beneath so sore a cross. "--Heedless and careless, still the world wags on, And leaves me broken ... Oh, my son! my son!"

Yet--think of this!-- Yea, rather think on this!-- He died as few men get the chance to die,-- Fighting to save a world's morality. He died the noblest death a man may die, Fighting for God, and Right, and Liberty;-- And such a death is Immortality.

"He died unnoticed in the muddy trench." Nay,--God was with him, and he did not blench; Filled him with holy fires that nought could quench, And when He saw his work below was done, He gently called to him,--"My son! My son! I need thee for a greater work than this. Thy faith, thy zeal, thy fine activities Are worthy of My larger liberties;"-- --Then drew him with the hand of welcoming grace, And, side by side, they climbed the heavenly ways.