This is the last poem Joyce Kilmer wrote before his death in the First World War.
Only when I really try can I read it without crying.
Thank you to every soldier who "fights for freedom"... You are in our prayers every day.
| The Peacemaker |
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Upon his will he binds a radiant chain,
For Freedom’s sake he is no longer free.
It is his task, the slave of Liberty,
With his own blood to wipe away a stain.
That pain may cease, he yields his flesh to pain.
To banish war, he must a warrior be.
He dwells in Night, eternal Dawn to see,
And gladly dies, abundant life to gain. |
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What matters Death, if Freedom be not dead?
No flags are fair, if Freedom’s flag be furled.
Who fights for Freedom, goes with joyful tread
To meet the fires of Hell against him hurled,
And has for captain Him whose thorn-wreathed head
Smiles from the Cross upon a conquered world. |
That's a beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy your holiday weekend.
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful.
ReplyDeleteVery nice, and I haven't read it before! Thanks for posting, and Happy Independence Day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Faith... that is beautiful, very moving, and a reminder to all of us that freedom is not free, nor does it come at some cheap price... neither our freedom nor the freedom He gave us at such a price.
ReplyDeleteOh my word, this is beautiful. "That pain may cease, he yields his flesh to pain." So thankful.
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