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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A ROUTE FOR THE PROCESSION by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: WHERE SHALL THE VETERANS MARCH TO-DAY
Last Line: "SOON WE TOO SHALL BE LYING HERE."
Subject(s): HOLIDAYS; MEMORIAL DAY; PARADES; DECLARATION DAY;

Where shall the veterans march to-day,
With drum and fife and with banners gay,
Where shall they take their memorial way?

Let them march by the city hall,
Let them shout to its echoing wall,
"Live for your country the first of all."

Let them march by the great church door,
There will they cry, "Hear the weak implore,
Free the oppressed and the wronged restore."

Let them march by the public school,
Shouting, "Children, be no man's fool;
Ever stand for the righteous rule."

Let them march by the marts of trade,
Singing, "Rich men, be not afraid;
Of manhood only is true wealth made."

Let them march by the grimy mill,
There let them cry, "In the present ill
Work for a better, and better still."

Let them march by the playhouse fair,
Shouting, "Pleasurers debonair,
Do not forget the world of care."

Let them march to the graveyard near,
Saying, "Heroes, our brothers dear,
Soon we too shall be lying here."



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