Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO AMERICA'S UNKNOWN SOLDIER by KARL E. MUNDT

First Line: WHEN FROM YOUR SILENT SLEEP IN FRANCE YOU CAME
Last Line: —THE CLASSMATE
Subject(s): DEATH; GRAVES; SOLDIERS; UNITED STATES; UNKNOWN SOLDIER; WAR; DEAD, THE; TOMBS; TOMBSTONES; AMERICA;
When from your silent sleep in France you came,
Your body torn, your blood for freedom spent,
A mighty nation grateful offering sent
To deck the bier of one without a name.
What boyhood plans, what half-formed dreams of fame
Were stifled in that last dim hour that rent
Your valiant heart which you so gayly lent
A thankless world? I bow with sudden shame
Before your tomb. Your sacrifice was made
To sanctify the world! How far today
Have I, you died to save, my debt repaid?
I stand with empty hands, and softly pray
That, borne on unseen wings, my love may rise
To meet your gallant soul in Paradise.

—THE CLASSMATE



Home: PoetryExplorer.net