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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PEACE SHALL LIVE, by                    
First Line: The guns are still, the dead sleep on
Last Line: "your answer, ""peace shall live!"
Subject(s): Military; Peace; War


The guns are still, the dead sleep on,
The blind and crippled walk the streets,
Bereavèd hearts bright colors don,
Again the pulse of factories beats;
Nightmares and grimy days have fled,
Forgotten are the dead.

Around the world from every land
The prayers and pleadings never cease—
For swords and men? Nay, heart and hand
To build the dream eternal peace.
Disdainfully we speak reproof;
Proudly we stand aloof.

Was it indifference that sent
Our sons the tides of war to stem?
Through flaming fields and blood they went.
Shall we not keep our faith with them
Whose bodies lie on foreign leas
Or toss in many seas?

The keen, cold sword the flesh will feel,
If once again the world shall quake
And men back to the jungle steal.
O Countrymen, the hour to stake
Our all is here, lest grim alarms
Again shriek out, "To arms!"

A question burns within man's breast:
In bloody wars shall man expire—
Or by the arts of peace be blessed
That lift his soul forever higher?
My Countrymen, stand forth and give
Your answer, "Peace shall live!"





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