Fodder For Cannon

By Katharine Lee Bates

Bodies glad, erect,

Beautiful with youth,

Life's elect,

Nature's truth,

Marching host on host,

Those bright, unblemished ones,

Manhood's boast,

Feed them to the guns.

Hearts and brains that teem

With blessing for the race,

Thought and dream,

Vision, grace,

Oh, love's best and most,

Bridegrooms, brothers, sons,

Host on host

Feed them to the guns.