In time's procession of mortality That westward files across our ancient earth, Familiar forms recur -- to eyes that see -- Makers of history for hours of dearth. Old leaders, these, returned in time of need; A Lafayette, with way that Sidney had; A Roosevelt, with Great Heart's cloak and creed; A Jeanne with kin-look to the Syrian Lad. Not most of these are destined to live long; Some, nameless, early fell at Agincourt, Thermopylae and Belleau Wood; their song Of quest eternal cut untimely short . . . A certain look betrays each midst the rest -- Again poor earth's immortal, transient guest. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHRISMUS ON THE PLANTATION by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 9 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN FULFILLMENT by ROBERT MALISE BOWYER NICHOLS SCORN NOT THE LEAST by ROBERT SOUTHWELL THE ROSE'S MESSAGE by MARY WINCHESTER ABBOTT MINSTREL OF THE SUN by FREDERICK HENRY HERBERT ADLER THE IMPROVISATORE: ALBERT AND EMILY by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |