Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, RETIREMENT, by FRANK S. CERNEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RETIREMENT, by                    
First Line: Who said that his body should bear
Last Line: It has outlived a gruesome day!


Who said that his body should bear
A leaden pellet as its share
And tumble to the clods
A temple built from a worshiped frame
That had Mother for its name?

In defense of country life and trade
Use gun and bomb and bayonet blade,
Where Judgment does not lapse;
The aim is true, the thrust is strong,
But death results, and that is wrong.

The young when ripe to face the sun
Are buoyed by life that has begun
Its myriad unfoldings;
One is to keep the coursing stream
Arush to fulfill their fondest dream.

The trust of nations only can
Halt the martial step of man
And still the rolling drum;
Yea, fold the uniform away --
It has outlived a gruesome day!





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