reverie Posted December 20, 2004 Report Posted December 20, 2004 (edited) hi all, ...was researching the great poet max ehrmann some for another post and ran across two poems of his that were written on or about WWI or maybe even WWII time frame. Not too sure since he died in 1945... Anyway, felt it was appropriate for the day: alien fires When will the nations live by reason's light, And not by deeds that terrify? New groups of nations win with every fight; An endless feud, and always men must die. When will the nations cure the itching palm? Change curse of national pride to love of peace? When shall we know again the gift of calm? Dear God, when will this killing cease? We crossed the seas to curb a nation's lust, We sought by force to quench an alien fire. From now we strive to understand, and trust Fair play to bring the world's desire. How can we look these veterans in the face? We snatched them from their dear familiar round. Is our dream mad to school a wayward race? and what of them beneath the ground? I go my way All round is haste, confusion, noise. For power and wealth men stretch the day. From dawn to dusk. But quietly I go my way. For glitter, show, to taunt the crowd, Desire-tossed in wild dismay, Men sell their souls. But quietly I go my way. The green of all the fields is mine, The stars, the night, the wind at play, A peaceful heart, while quietly I go my way. ... have fun, rev... Edited December 20, 2004 by reverie
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