MY gallant love goes out to-day, With drums and bugles sounding gay; I smile to cheer him on his way — Smile back, my heart, to me! The flags are glittering in the light; Is it their stars that blind my sight? God, hold my tears until to-night — Then set their fountains free! He takes with him the light of May; Alas! it seems but yesterday He was a bright-haired child at play, With eyes that knew no fear; Blue eyes — true eyes! I see them shine Far down along the waving line — Now meet them bravely, eyes of mine! Good cheer, my love, good cheer! Oh, mother-hearts, that dare not break! That feel the stress, the long, long ache, The tears that burn, the eyes that wake, For these our cherished ones — And ye, true hearts — not called to bear Such pain and peril for your share — Oh, lift with me the pleading prayer, God save our gallant sons! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VARIATIONS: 12 by CONRAD AIKEN CONTRA MORTEM: THE BEING AS VISION by HAYDEN CARRUTH JOHNNY SPAIN'S WHITE HEIFER by HAYDEN CARRUTH A PECK OF GOLD by ROBERT FROST TO A MOTH SEEN IN WINTER by ROBERT FROST |