Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EMILE ZOLA, by MARJORIE W. BRACHLOW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EMILE ZOLA, by                    
First Line: He was a soldier to his last-drawn breath
Last Line: It lights the world with truth's undying flame.
Subject(s): Zola, Emile (1840-1902)


He was a soldier to his last-drawn breath --
No uniform was his, nor keen-edged blade
To bow his enemies in dust and death --
Far nobler, sterner was the fight he made;
The torch of Truth was lighted by his pen;
He added words, more words -- the flames leaped higher;
He burned his peace to right a wrong for men,
And, last, he laid himself upon the fire.
The lord looked down and said, "Thy work is done;
Thou art my faithful servant and thrice blest;
They will go on with this thou hast begun --
Come unto Me and I will give thee rest."
-- The wash of years can not efface his name --
It lights the world with Truth's undying flame.





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