Of bracken, whin, and sweet bell-heather, Where forests lie entombed, Oak, elm, and chestnut, beech, and red pine bole; God shrined His sunshine, and enwombed For you these stores of light and heat, Your life-joys to complete. 30 These all have died that you might live; And through these new activities A wider life to give. Kneel always when you light a fire! And grateful be For God's unfailing charity! (1918) THE DAWN OF PEACE ALFRED NOYES [This poem, written before the Great War of 1914-1918, seemed during the years of that struggle to represent a forgotten hope; yet the editor had intended to print it at the close of this volume, even if the volume had appeared while the war still went on, as a prophecy of the day toward which humanity continues to strive.] Yes-"on our brows we feel the breath Of dawn," though in the night we wait! An arrow is in the heart of Death, A God is at the doors of Fate! The spirit that moved upon the Deep Is moving through the minds of men: The nations feel it in their sleep, A change has touched their dreams again. Beating the shores of Europe?—hark! Then-if ye will-uplift your word Of cynic wisdom! Once again Tell us He came to bring a sword,Tell us He lived and died in vain. |