Classic Poem

How crowded is the heavenly House of Light
With those who from the cruel wars have come—
Bright, glowing youths of fresh and vital breath
Who thought so lightly of their lives—and death!
No more shall they awake to martial drum,
No more march fearless through the warlike night.
We sent them forth, they did not ask us why;
But on they went—in tears we saw them go.

Across the seas they sped and took their stand,
While we, in our own safe and sheltered land,
Bade them be strong to grapple with the foe;
They heard our voice, and clave the angry sky. . . .

How crowded is the heavenly House of Light
With those who marched—for us—into the night!

How crowded is the heavenly House of Light
With those who from the cruel wars have come—
Bright, glowing youths of fresh and vital breath
Who thought so lightly of their lives—and death!
No more shall they awake to martial drum,
No more march fearless through the warlike night.
We sent them forth, they did not ask us why;
But on they went—in tears we saw them go.

Across the seas they sped and took their stand,
While we, in our own safe and sheltered land,
Bade them be strong to grapple with the foe;
They heard our voice, and clave the angry sky. . . .

How crowded is the heavenly House of Light
With those who marched—for us—into the night!