Page:The cry for justice - an anthology of the literature of social protest. - (IA cryforjusticea00sinc).pdf/577

 I Sing the Battle

(From "The Cry of Youth")

(See pages 37, 351)

I sing the song of the great clean guns that belch forth death at will. Ah, but the wailing mothers, the lifeless forms and still!

I sing the songs of the billowing flags, the bugles that cry before. Ah, but the skeletons flapping rags, the lips that speak no more!

I sing the clash of bayonets and sabres that flash and cleave. And wilt thou sing the maimed ones, too, that go with pinned-up sleeve?

I sing acclaimèd generals that bring the victory home. Ah, but the broken bodies that drip like honey-comb!

I sing of hearts triumphant, long ranks of marching men. And wilt thou sing the shadowy hosts that never march again?