Page:The poems of Richard Watson Gilder, Gilder, 1908.djvu/221

 AND OTHER POEMS

PART I

THE GREAT REMEMBRANCE

Read at the Annual Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, Faneuil Hall, Boston, June 27, 1893.

, the circle narrows, heads grow white,

As once more by the camp-fire's flaring light

We gather and clasp hands, as we have done

These many, many years. So long ago

A part we were of all that glorious show,—

Stood, side by side, 'neath the red battle-sun,—

So long ago we breathed war's thunderous breath,

Knew the white fury of that life-in-death,

So long ago that troubled joy, it seems

The valorous pageant might resolve to splendid dreams.

But no! Too deep 't is burned into the brain!

As well were lightning-scar by summer rain

Washed clean away, when stroke on blinding stroke

Hath torn the rock, and riven the blackened oak.

How oft as down these peaceful streets we pass

All vanishes save, lo! the rutted grass,

Wreckt caissons, frightened beasts, and, merciful God!

The piteous burden of the ensanguined sod!

Yet not all terror doth the memory save

From war's emblazonry and open grave:

In glimpses, flashing like a meteor's light,