Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A TRUE HERO, by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A TRUE HERO, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not at the battle front, writ of in story
Last Line: Carried, elijah-like, fire-winged, to heaven.
Alternate Author Name(s): Mulock, Dinah Maria


(JAMES BRAIDWOOD: Died June 22, 1861.)

NOT at the battle front, -- writ of in story;
Not on the blazing wreck steering to glory;

Not while in martyr-pangs soul and flesh sever,
Died he -- this Hero new; hero forever.

No pomp poetic crowned, no forms enchained him,
No friends applauding watched, no foes arraigned him:

Death found him there, without grandeur or beauty,
Only an honest man doing his duty:

Just a God-fearing man, simple and lowly,
Constant at kirk and hearth, kindly as holy:

Death found -- and touched him with finger in flying: --
Lo! he rose up complete -- hero undying.

Now, all men mourn for him, lovingly raise him
Up from his life obscure, chronicle, praise him;

Tell his last act, done midst peril appalling,
And the last word of cheer from his lips falling;

Follow in multitudes to his grave's portal;
Leave him there, buried in honor immortal.

So many a Hero walks unseen beside us,
Till comes the supreme stroke sent to divide us.

Then the LORD calls His own, -- like this man, even,
Carried, Elijah-like, fire-winged, to heaven.






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