In the battles, the frenzy, the dread Of this ineffable year, In this blur of the living and dead, One word is unfailingly clear: One word through the anguish of night Gleams far in the heavenly dome, 'Mid the shells in their horrible flight, The dear, shining letters of "Home." "Home! Home!" in the trench and the mud How maddening sweet is the sound! "Home! Home!" where a tempest of blood Beats hot on the desolate ground! What longings, what hope and despair From the field or the hospital roam To that fairest of all that is fair, The dear waiting doorway of home! And we who incessantly pray And out to the battle-fields yearn, Ah, let us make ready the day When our heroes shall proudly return; The homes they are fighting to save, Let us clean them without and within From the foulness of traitor and knave, The last rotting remnant of sin. Let the windows be shining and pure, Let the walls be sturdily strong, And all of the mansion secure From the threat of insidious wrong. Let the blossoms of brotherhood spring From the heart of the jubilant loam, And the bells of all heaven shall ring As we welcome our heroes home. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN 'DESIGNING A CLOAK TO CLOAK HIS DESIGNS' YOU WRESTED FROM OBLIVION by MARIANNE MOORE TO HIS CONSCIENCE by ROBERT HERRICK LONGFELLOW by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY AIR: 'CAPTAIN JINKS' by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS DESERT BRIDE by MARY MILLER BEARD |