Flung on this page May the glow of thy name Drawn from the skies Flower of the morn, Rose of the world! T THE GREAT REMEMBRANCE AND OTHER POEMS PART I THE GREAT REMEMBRANCE Read at the Annual Reunion of the Society of the Army of the Potomac, COMRADES, the circle narrows, heads grow white, 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 Wreckt caissons, frightened beasts, and, merciful God! Yet not all terror doth the memory save From war's emblazonry and open grave: In glimpses, flashing like a meteor's light, A silent army marches through the night; The guidons flutter in a golden valley Where, at the noonday halt, the horsemen dally; While the great army moves, drawn by a single hand. So long ago it seems, so long ago, Behold, our sons, grown men since those great days, — Our very children look into our eyes And find strange records, with a mute surprise; Who kept far countries in his musing mind, Where blazed war's flame and rolled the battle-cloud. Like to a drama did the scene unroll Yet breathless watched the whole swift, tragic play. |