Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HEROES, by ISABEL FISKE CONANT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HEROES, by                    
First Line: In time's procession of mortality
Last Line: Again poor earth's immortal, transient guest.
Subject(s): Heroism; Heroes; Heroines


In time's procession of mortality
That westward files across our ancient earth,
Familiar forms recur -- to eyes that see --
Makers of history for hours of dearth.

Old leaders, these, returned in time of need;
A Lafayette, with way that Sidney had;
A Roosevelt, with Great Heart's cloak and creed;
A Jeanne with kin-look to the Syrian Lad.

Not most of these are destined to live long;
Some, nameless, early fell at Agincourt,
Thermopylae and Belleau Wood; their song
Of quest eternal cut untimely short . . .

A certain look betrays each midst the rest --
Again poor earth's immortal, transient guest.





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