Page:Poems of the Great War - Cunliffe.djvu/204

 178 EDGAR LEE MASTERS

In fiery shock and dazzling pain before

The orient splendor of the face of Death,

As a great light beside a shadowy sea ;

And in a high will's strenuous exercise.

Where the warmed spirit finds its fullest strength

And is no more afraid. And in the stroke

Of azure lightning when the hidden essence

And shifting meaning of man's spiritual worth

And mystical significance in time

Are instantly distilled to one clear drop

Which mirrors earth and heaven.

This is life Flaming to heaven in a minute's span When the breath of battle blows the smoldering

spark. And across these seas

We who cry Peace and treasure life and cling To cities, happiness, or daily toil For daily bread, or trail the long routine Of seventy years, taste not the terrible wine Whereof you drink, who drain and toss the cup Empty and ringing by the finished feast ; Or have it shaken from your hand by sight Of God against the olive woods.

As Joan of Arc amid the apple trees

With sacred joy first heard the voices, then

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