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PEACE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: At peace'? The world has never been at peace
Last Line: And peace no slothful, placid mockery.
Alternate Author Name(s): Lewis, Michael
Subject(s): Social Protest; War


(The Fisheries dispute having been amicably compromised, the world is at
peace again.
....News Despatch.)

'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.





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