Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/33

The Call to Service! ringing loud and clear
Beats in the angel pinions overhead
Still time is given that deadened ears may hear
Before the final word of doom is said.

Work! for humanity s sublimest goal!
Fight! in a cause too great to be denied!
Hear! for the Dead are speaking to your soul!
Wake! for God calls the Nation to His side!

HOW should we weep—beholding the white light
Of those young spirits joyous—unafraid?
The pathway shines, the exultant feet have made
Beyond the immeasurable darkness of this night!
So were the strong brows crowned with living gold;
The imperial ardour won through sacrifice
Burned like a lambent flame, to grow and rise
Glory on glory, as rich dawns unfold.

Their eyes were purified that looked through death,
They took the Cup and thirst was satisfied!
Eternal vistas opened—life beyond breath!
In man s extremity—in the last sleep—
The immortal spirit would not be denied
Triumphing gloriously ! How should we weep?

IF on the morrow the quick summons comes
To lay down life, I shall go willingly,
Since it is given the ultimate to see
To which man can attain. The rolling drums
Of God s high calling did not beat in vain.
Men at a word leaped from luxurious rest
To strenuous action—took for guerdon pain,
Hardness and wounds. Death met the splendid quest
Worthy of Sacred Grail. The Highest spoke—