Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/33

 Minnie Halloivell Bow en

The Call to Service! ringing loud and clear

Beats in the angel pinions overhead Still time is given that deadened ears may hear

Before the final word of doom is said.

Work ! for humanity s sublimest goal !

Fight ! in a cause too great to be denied ! Hear ! for the Dead are speaking to your soul !

Wake ! for God calls the Nation to His side !

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��THE VICTORIOUS DEAD OW should we weep beholding the white light Of those young spirits joyous unafraid? The pathway shines, the exultant feet have made Beyond the immeasurable darkness of this night! So were the strong brows crowned with living gold ; The imperial ardour won through sacrifice Burned like a lambent flame, to grow and rise Glory on glory, as rich dawns unfold.

Their eyes were purified that looked through death, They took the Cup and thirst was satisfied ! Eternal vistas opened life beyond breath ! In man s extremity in the last sleep The immortal spirit would not be denied Triumphing gloriously ! How should we weep ?

THE SUMMONS

F on the morrow the quick summons comes

To lay down life, I shall go willingly,

Since it is given the ultimate to see

To which man can attain. The rolling drums

Of God s high calling did not beat in vain.

Men at a word leaped from luxurious rest

To strenuous action took for guerdon pain,

Hardness and wounds. Death met the splendid quest

Worthy of Sacred Grail. The Highest spoke

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