Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SOUNDLESS VOICE, by HENRY CHAPPELL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SOUNDLESS VOICE, by                    
First Line: Now as the shadow of a cross looms nigh
Last Line: "like muted bells, repeats, ""in vain; in vain."
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


NOW as the shadow of a Cross looms nigh,
A vision rises of a far off day,
When One in sacrifice was nailed to die
Above the thorny path of Calvary's way.
Drained to the lees the cup of mortal pain;
A voice within me asks, "Was all in vain?"

Another vision rises big with dread,
And Calvary's tragedy seems paled to nought;
Not one, but millions crucified lie dead;
What is the guerdon all their blood has bought?
They as the God-man gave their lives to gain
Freedom for others; Is it all in vain?

I fain were deaf, but still that voice will speak
Insistent to my heart, "What does your God?
Why saved He not the women and the weak,
Whose blood is crying from the reeking sod?
Lo, it is writ, He marks a sparrow fall;
Is human life so little after all?"

The earth is trampled o'er by iron-shod might;
The wail of myriads quivers to the skies;
Each day but paints new horrors for the night,
And old beliefs are traitors garbed in lies.
Once for His Own He clove the seas in twain,
Now Faith and prayers and tears alike seem vain.

I could but list, nor single word deny;
Black shadows throng, the mists are all around.
I seek a sign red blazing from the sky;
I seek 'mid shifting sands for solid ground;
While as a dirge the voice in mournful strain,
Like muted bells, repeats, "In vain; In vain."





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