Classic Poem

What of the anguish and the bitter sorrow
And all the strife and tears?
Shall there be sunshine on some great to-morrow
That shall atone for gaunt War's blood-red years?

The hearts of women pierced, the children lying
Silent, in sunless sleep:
We think of these, and ask, our whole souls sighing,
" Can heaven that sees eternal silence keep?

" Is there no answer, comes no word to cheer us
Who, lifting helpless hands,
Felt grief's wild sword as keen, and death as near us
And wept with those who wept in far-off lands? "