Part 1 — TO YOU WHO HAVE LOST
Reading edition
I know! I know!— The ceaseless ache, the emptiness, the woe,— The pang of loss,— The strength that sinks beneath so sore a cross. "—Heedless and careless, still the world wags on, And leaves me broken … Oh, my son! my son!"
Yet—think of this!— Yea, rather think on this!— He died as few men get the chance to die,— Fighting to save a world's morality. He died the noblest death a man may die, Fighting for God, and Right, and Liberty;— And such a death is Immortality.
"He died unnoticed in the muddy trench." Nay,—God was with him, and he did not blench; Filled him with holy fires that nought could quench, And when He saw his work below was done, He gently called to him,—"My son! My son! I need thee for a greater work than this. Thy faith, thy zeal, thy fine activities Are worthy of My larger liberties;"— —Then drew him with the hand of welcoming grace, And, side by side, they climbed the heavenly ways.