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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HE LEADS US STILL by ARTHUR GUITERMAN

First Line: DARE WE DESPAIR? THROUGH ALL THE NIGHTS AND DAYS
Last Line: THE NATION LINCOLN DIED FOR CANNOT FAIL!
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; LINCOLN, ABRAHAM (1809-1865); PRESIDENTS, UNITED STATES;
Dare we despair? Through all the nights and days
Of lagging war he kept his courage true.
Shall doubt befog our eyes? A darker haze
But proved the faith of him who ever knew

That right must conquer. May we cherish hate
For our poor griefs, when never word nor deed
Of rancor, malice, spite of low or great,
In his large soul one poison-drop could breed?

He leads us still! O'er chasms yet unspanned
Our pathway lies; the work is but begun;
But we shall do our part and leave our land
The mightier for noble battles won.
Here truth must triumph, honor must prevail:
The nation Lincoln died for cannot fail!



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