Page:The Sad Years.djvu/30

PROGRESS: 1914-1918 (Continued) “Lo! I am athirst,” said the hot earth, “And I would quench my fears.” “Then thou shalt taste,” cried the young maid, “The bitter sweet of tears.”

“Have I not held them,” said the old earth, “The dead unto my heart?” “Under my white robe,” cried the chill wind, “So a new spring should start.”

“Men must pale and die,” said the black earth, “So men may rise and live;” “And I was born thus,” cried the great town, “In blood they slew to give.”

“Grant to me red wine,” said the brown earth, “Else do I droop and tire.” “As in the great past,” cried the pale hills, “We drank of hearts afire.”

“In war have I grown,” said the fierce earth, “Man against his brother.” “Death's sheaves have fed thee,” said the green woods, “Beast slaying one the other.” [22]