What are the garlands we lay on the graves? Heapings of blossoms that loveliest are? Beauty supreme for the bravest of braves? Yes, and an offering holier far. Here are the garlands of memories clear, Thoughts of the partings, the desperate frays, Marches and prisons and hospitals drear, Triumphs and woes of those terrible days. Garlands of gratitude fadeless and fair Lie on the graves of our glorious dead, -- Grateful for freedom that breathes in the air, Grateful for union that floats overhead. Garlands of love from the children and wives, Garlands of hope for the nation to-day, Garlands of offered and consecrate lives, These on the graves of our heroes we lay. Roses and lilies and violets blue, Daffodils, tulips, and all of the rest, -- Ah, dear departed, brave patriots true, We know what garlands will please you the best! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AUGUST MOONRISE by SARA TEASDALE OF DISTRESS BEING HUMILIATED BY THE CLASSICAL CHINESE POETS by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE PRISONER (A FRAGMENT) by EMILY JANE BRONTE A WIFE IN LONDON by THOMAS HARDY DORIS; A PASTORAL by ARTHUR JOSEPH MUNBY SONG by ARTHUR WILLIAM EDGAR O'SHAUGHNESSY THE COMING OF SPRING by NORA PERRY TO MICHAL: SONNETS AFTER MARRIAGE: 8. AFTER RONSARD by CHARLES WILLIAMS |