Poems (White)/Sunset

For works with similar titles, see Sunset.
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SUNSET
The sunset is red; then I hear it is said There is rain in the clouds for the morn; When we see at sunrise that there's black in the skies, Then the day truly ends with a storm. Is our world at her dawn? Is it only just born? Has her sunset the after-glow shed? There's deep red in the sky, who can tell why? Is it daybreak, or sunset's last red? Who will sacrifice life in a terrible strife? Heaven points to the leaders of men. Nor will one to his foe boldly white courage show, Shoulder cross, which is peace,β€”its emblem. Wave the banner of truce, and bear all the abuse; 'Tis far braver for brave men to yield,β€”So to conquer their fight, if their reason says right, When impulse, and the blood, calls to field. All the world knows that might rarely ever is right; In this age, with its progress, 'tis least. And if dark be our night, trust our day to be bright, If the sun cast no red in the east; But if sunrise is lead, there is dark night ahead, ​And the light may not come with the day. Let us wave this cloud past, that our sunset may cast A white flag that floats Peace for a day.