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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO ONE BEREFT by ETHEL KNAPP BEHRMAN

First Line: WAR DRUMS SHALL NEVER SUMMON HIM, NOR COLD
Last Line: SUCH LOVE CAN NOT BE COVERED IN A GRAVE.
Subject(s): DEATH - CHILDREN; MOURNING; DEATH - BABIES; BEREAVEMENT;

War drums shall never summon him, nor cold
And foreign earth receive his cloak of clay;
Here, in his home land, cradled safe away.
It rests.

Nor shall he hunger, nor grow old;
Let his bright youth your grief-bowed soul enfold.
Yours, yours, he was, and is; another day,
A short space, as time measures mundane stay,
His lips on yours in fond embrace shall hold.

So for your courage high, to stifle tears,
His eyes must smile -- nor does he bide afar --
Celestial touch may reach across the bar,
To heal the sorrow in the passing years.

This for your solace, mother, sweetly brave,
Such love can not be covered in a grave.



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