Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SACRIFICE, by HELENE THURSTON


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SACRIFICE, by                    
First Line: Oh mother mary mild
Last Line: When he is dead?
Subject(s): Sacrifices


Oh Mother Mary mild,
Thou gavest him to me,
A little child.
His lips against my breast,
His body next my heart
That loved him best.

So short a time, Oh God!
The days slipped swiftly past;
The years were trod,
And straight and strong and fair
He marched away,
And left me there

To watch and wait and pray,
While night piled up on night
And day on day.
And then they brought him home
To me, so white, so still;
And I alone

Bend over him and see
The promised youth snuffed out;
And tenderly
Hold close his fair young head.
How can they prate of peace
When he is dead?





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