PEACE

‘ At peace’? The world has never been at peace —

Its wars are never-ending; there is naught

In all its battles like these overwrought

And storming hours with their dark increase.

The cities roar; in every street one sees

Women and children, battle-wounded, caught.—

No slaves, no shattered hosts have ever fought

So bitterly, so hopeless of release...

Well, if it must be war, take up the sword,

Facing the world with grim and savage glee;

And, with the courage of a Faith restored,

Strike till the darkness falters, and we see

That liberty is no mere gaudy word,

And peace no slothful, placid mockery.