Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A MOTHER BEFORE A SOLDIER'S MONUMENT, by WINNIE LYNCH ROCKETT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A MOTHER BEFORE A SOLDIER'S MONUMENT, by                    
First Line: Was it for this I braved a pathless dark
Last Line: I paid for laurel wreath and marble shaft.
Variant Title(s): A Mother Before A Military Monument
Subject(s): Mothers; Peace; Soldiers; War


Was it for this I braved a pathless, dark,
And chilling void, in travail while the hiss
Of Death grew loud and near; from that abyss
To stumble back, enfolding in the arc
Of love-warm arms an infant life -- a spark
I fanned to ruddy glow? Was it for this
I succored childish needs -- healed with a kiss
Each wound that left on flesh or pride its mark?

Ah yes, for this I led my stalwart son
In paths of rectitude; abhorring vice
And choosing honor's way, he tossed the draft
That brimmed Youth's cup. Bereft and old, I run
Through War's red ledger -- scan the costly price
I paid for laurel wreath and marble shaft.





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