Because some men in khaki coats Are marching out to war, Beneath a torn old flag that floats As proudly as before; Because they will not stop or stay, But march with eager tread, A little baby far away Sleeps safely in her bed. Because some grim, gray sentinels Stand always silently, Where each dull shadow falls and swells, Upon a restless sea; Because their lonely watch they keep, With keen and wakeful eyes, A little child may safely sleep Until the sun shall rise. Because some swift and shadowy things Hold patient guard on high, Like birds or sails or shielding wings Against a stormy sky; Because a strange light spreads and sweeps Across a darkened way, A little baby softly sleeps Until the dawn of day. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HOUSE OF DUST: 1 by CONRAD AIKEN MEMORY by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE FRUIT GARDEN PATH by AMY LOWELL |