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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CLEAN HANDS by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: MAKE THIS THING PLAIN TO US, O LORD
Last Line: MAKE THIS THING PLAIN!
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; PEACE; VETERANS DAY; WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;

MAKE this thing plain to us, O Lord!
That not the triumph of the sword --
Not that alone -- can end the strife,
But reformation of the life --
But full submission to Thy Word!

Not all the stream of blood outpoured
Can Peace -- the Long-Desired -- afford;
Not tears of Mother, Maid or Wife...
Make this thing plain!

We must root out our sins ignored,
By whatsoever name adored;
Our secret sins, that, ever rife,
Shrink from the operating knife;
Then shall we rise, renewed, restored...
Make this thing plain!



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