Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MEN OF THE MAINE [FEBRUARY 15, 1898], by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MEN OF THE MAINE [FEBRUARY 15, 1898], by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Alas for the men of the maine!
Last Line: Who will follow the men of the maine?
Subject(s): Maine (ship)


Alas for the men of the Maine!
Alas for the hell-burst that made of that harbor of peace
A chaos of death and of pain!
Still shudders upon the air a cry that will never cease,
And the water is red with the slain.
Ah me, for the mothers that weep and the fathers that moan,
And the wives that are waiting alone,
And the gallant great ship that is shattered there, riven in twain,
And alas for the men of the Maine!

Yet joy for the men of the Maine!
Yes, joy for the reaping of death that is harvest of life,
The loss that is highest of gain!
What matter the time or place, and if it were peace or strife,
Or of chance or of malice insane?
Long years had each man offered freely his life for his land,
Held it forth in a resolute hand.
Yes, joy for the patriot's death that is never in vain!
Who will follow the men of the Maine?





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