Poems (Kimball)/The Boy who carried the Cross
THE BOY WHO CARRIED THE CROSS.
(W. A. D. W. entered into rest July 13, 1883, aged 14 years.)
HENCEFORTH I shall always see him As he looked when he led the way For the children marching churchward Upon some festal day;
As I saw him that first fair Easter In the light of the "day of days," When they entered God's gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.
He was born to be a leader, I thought, as he led that throng, Unconscious of self and comely, Modest and noble and strong.
Princely in stature and bearing And steadfast of hand and eye, He carried the Church's standard, The Cross of Jesus, on high.
On his fair, unsullied forehead Once signed with that sign of grace,could almost see its glory Lighting his lovely face.
First and foremost by virtue Of all that youth could claim,He was first and foremost also In a life that knew no blame.
So brilliant his future's promise Fame must be his portion, we said;But the crown of Christian triumph Already ennobled his head.
Unselfish, beloved and ardent Whether in labor or play, He carried his dear Lord's honor Wherever he wended his way.
And if he had lived to gather The laurels of all the earth, And all the winds of heaven Had wafted to men his worth;
If he had lived, and dying Been mourned as a nation's loss,I still should have seen but this vision Of the boy who carried the Cross.