WREATHS for the Soldier, if it be His sword be sworn to Liberty! Wreaths for the Poet who shall bring New light to Dawn, new joy to Spring! Wreaths for the Hero who shall brave The peril of the flame or wave! But keep one wreath for him whose days Too happy for the need of praise -- Glow with the love and hope that plan A richer heritage for Man. He keeps his faith amid the grime And scramble of our modern time. His eyes are sight to countless feet That else would stumble in the street. Riches the poor would throw away He saves to make their better day. Taught both by sorrow and by sin, His great heart's portals open in. And, though not reckoned with the great, His hidden labors prop the State. For ages History pondered long The flaunted records of the strong. To-day she craves the subtle power To know the soil that grows the flower. To-morrow she perchance may speak The judgments of the voiceless weak. |