Page:All quiet along the Potomac and other poems.djvu/247

 THE POSTMAN OF THE AIR. 241

When homeward each through the twilight sped,

Only God and I

Knew the shining tie From pitying heart to the palsied head.

��THE POSTMAN OF THE AIR

HOME to the quiet belfry, Oh haste thee, faithful dove ! Carry thy message safely, Brief words of war or love.

Over the vineyard wasted, Over the smoking town ;

Over the army s glitter, Over the tarnished crown ;

O er the beleaguered city

Lower thy dusky breast Until its gold is shadow,

Its beating turmoil, rest.

Under thy weary pinion Comfort and courage wait ;

God guide thee, gentle postman, Within the guarded gate !

Keep thee through airy perils From falcon swift and sure ;

From cruel beating tempest,

From fowler s cunning lure. 21 Q

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