POETRY

Lake County Press, Issue 2737, 6 June 1918, Page 2

POETRY

"MY COUNTRY NEEDS THEM ALL." For Home and Fireside we tight, For all that's brave and true. For right against tho foeman's might Who would not dare and dor lg there a man of British breed But answers to the call: "Here am I—heart, and brain, and hand, My country needs them all!" For wife and weans we gladly march Against the ruthless foe; One upward glance to heaven's- blue arch To strengthen every blow! Where is the husband, father, son, Who does not cry to-day: "I'm ready, for the home I love To fight as well as pray?" Yes, and for one whose plighted troth Still echoes in the heart. The boys have sworn a sacred oath To play a hero's part. Where is the girl between the seas But bids this last adieu: "God keep you, lad j you're doubly dear Because you're doubly true?"

For Kmg and Country, aye, for those! For Freedom, best of all! On alien soil, on stormy seas, We'll fight, and, it we tall, The hearts we love, the lips we kiss, Are shieded witli our breast; Better a grave in trench or wave Than shrink from Love's behest!" THE WOODS OF COMPIECNE If J ever walk again I»i tho woods of Compiegne, What a difference there will be! 1 am sure that every tree, Every flower, each foot of soil. Will'recall the soldier's toil, Tli'.« stress and horror of the fight, flie courage which defeats dismay, Of those who struggled in tho light Of tint long September day. The groves of oak, the serried lines Of the red-tnmk'd Lfting pines, Tho little lakes that stilly lie Like down-thrown fragments oi tin sky, Will bo hallow'd by the thought Of the men who nobly fought; And beauty will he beautified Bv memory of those who died, If I over walk again In the woods of Compiegne.