Page:Marching Men - War Verses (1917).pdf/21



HE morning dawned both bright and clear,
 * That unforgotten day he went,

The hills were blue and very near
 * As if for their encouragement.

The rose that was her special care,
 * Had come to color over night,

And lifted to the radiant air
 * A bud half-blown—a lovely sight.

He paused a moment by its side,
 * Their mingling glances on it fell,

Then his roamed where the hills divide,
 * Taking of them a mute farewell.

He swept the horizon half around,
 * Standing erect with kindling eye

That rested where the slope pine-crowned
 * Went climbing up to meet the sky.

And then to her—with one deep look
 * That knit her spirit to his own,

Courage and strength of him she took,
 * And heart to face the road alone.

No word was said; the years behind
 * Held no regret; and each to each

Gave pledge of what their souls divined
 * Better in silence than in speech.