To the Others

THIS was the gleam then that lured from far

Your son and my son to the Holy War:

Your son and my son for the accolade

With the banner of Christ over them, in steel arrayed.

All quiet roads of life ran on to this;

When they were little for their mother’s kiss.

Little feet hastening, so soft, unworn,

To the vows and the vigil and the road of thorn.

Your son and my son, the downy things,

Sheltered in mother’s breast, by mother’s wings,

Should they be broken in the Lord’s wars—Peace!

He Who has given them—are they not His?

Dream of knight’s armour and the battle-shout,

Fighting and falling at the last redoubt,

Dream of long dying on the field of slain;

This was the dream that lured, nor lured in vain.

These were the Voices they heard from far;

Bugles and trumpets of the Holy War.

Your son and my son have heard the call,

Your son and my son have stormed the wall.

Your son and my son, clean as new swords;

Your man and my man and now the Lord’s!

Your son and my son for the Great Crusade,

With the banner of Christ over them—our knights new-made.