THE SAD YEARS
THE DEAD SOLDIER
Where the sword has opened the way the man can follow.
“Look! they come, the triumphant army!
Over yon hill see their weapons peeping.”
Still I spoke not, but my wheel sent turning;
I closed my eyes, for my heart was weeping,
My heart was weeping for a dead soldier.
“Who is he who looks towards me?”
“'Tis no man, but a gay flag flying.”
Red was his mouth and his white brow thoughtful,
Blue his eyes — how my soul is crying,
My soul is crying for a dead soldier.
“Kneel ye down, lest your eyes should dare them.
Kneel ye down and your beads be saying.”
“Lord, on their heads Thy wrath deliver.”
This is the prayer that my lips are praying,
My heart is praying for a dead soldier.
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