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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE DEPARTED, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE
First Line: While yet their fagots scarce had burned
Last Line: Blessing their memories with tears.
Subject(s): Farewell; Memory; Parting
First Line: While yet their fagots scarce had burned
Last Line: Blessing their memories with tears.
Subject(s): Farewell; Memory; Parting
WHILE yet their fagots scarce had burned
On Alma Mater's altar fire,
With Life's long lessons still unlearned,
They left our land of dear desire.
Ambition had not plumed its wings
Nor genius won its myrtle crown,
Before they passed to higher things,
Laying the lesser laurels down.
They clasped at once the Holy Grail
Across the dark, mysterious stream,
Yet I hear voices on the gale
And still behold them stand and dream.
Like figures on a Grecian vase,
Which foot nor finger ne'er can raise,
I see them as they quit the race
Along the course of college days.
And I who must press on and fight
Far through the fields of future years
Have shrined these men in hallowed light,
Blessing their memories with tears.
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