Classic Poem

THE PASSING OF A MIGHTY CAPTAIN

P RELUDE

A GAINST the sky two warring wills —
God's Will and man's — together meet.
Thus comes the Cross, thus Nature fills
With ruin round Creation's feet.
O Sin, what awful deed was thine
To darken earth with such a sign?

Beyond the Cross there looms the blue —
The shining blue above the earth.
By this far lure Life passes through
The arms of Death to larger worth.
O Soul, upon thy cross impaled,
Fear not! Likewise the Christ was nailed.

And thou, Truth's martyr — following Him
Vicarious, — findest crown of thorn,
Scourge, spike and spear, hate's watchers grim,
The day turned night by rage and scorn?
'Tis only on some Calvary
That love for men can make men free.