Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/120

 Elisabeth Roberts Mac Donald

Hearts that ache amidst the mirth,

Can we sing the songs of cheer?

Those who sang with us last year Strive afar on alien earth. All our songs are little worth,

Broken, faltering, thrilled with fear.

Yet for thought space finds no bar;

Seas may part, but not divide;

Brothers, sons, our Country s pride, Now we send our greeting far; Lo, we set our love, a star

In your skies this Christmas-tide !

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HE rain and the leaves together Go drifting over the world ;

Autumn has slipped his tether And his flag of death unfurled.

Tomorrow tomorrow tomorrow Hear how the grey wind cries !

Tomorrow the stark bare branches, Tomorrow the steel-cold skies.

The garnet leaves and the golden

Are tossed and trampled and thrown

As the hopes of man when the trumpets Of crimson war are blown.

Unleashed are the hounds of anguish That hunt the heart of man

To tear its dream-bright garments, To rend its valiant plan;

Honour and valour, the priceless Blood of our heroes slain,

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