Classic Poem

You think of him as one who fails.
I think of him as one who fights;
Who goes on strange adventurous ways
Through tortured days and dangerous nights.

You know him by the fallen flesh,
The cruel trap where he was caught.
I know him by the lifted brow
And by the Cause for which he fought.

For he went first and he went far
With glorious banner lifted high,
And you and I have different ways
Of judging him until we die.

For if he wins or if he falls
I know 'tis written in God's laws
That he who fights on the right side
Shall wear the splendor of the Cause.

You know him by the grievous wound
And by the earth on which he lies.
I know him by the patient mouth
And the deep sadness of his eyes.

You know him by the hostile mood
Which was the devil's battle shout.
I judge him by his quest for God,
And by the things he prays about.

And you shall have your place of pride,
With lifted banners glittering bright;
But the whole earth shall hear him speak
Of One who raised him in the night.

And you shall stay in Heaven, perchance!
With righteous souls that do not err!
But he shall come to earth again
And comfort with the Comforter.

You think of him as one who fails.
I think of him as one who fights;
Who goes on strange adventurous ways
Through tortured days and dangerous nights.