Classic Poem

Wreaths for the Soldier, if it be
His sword be sworn to Liberty!
Wreaths for the Poet who shall bring
New light to Dawn, new joy to Spring!
Wreaths for the Hero who shall brave
The peril of the flame or wave!
But keep one wreath for him whose days
Too happy for the need of praise —
Glow with the love and hope that plan
A richer heritage for Man.

He keeps his faith amid the grime
And scramble of our modern time.
His eyes are sight to countless feet
That else would stumble in the street.
Riches the poor would throw away
He saves to make their better day.
Taught both by sorrow and by sin,
His great heart's portals open in.
And, though not reckoned with the great,
His hidden labors prop the State.

For ages History pondered long
The flaunted records of the strong.
To-day she craves the subtle power
To know the soil that grows the flower.
To-morrow she perchance may speak
The judgments of the voiceless weak.