Classic Poem

THE DRAMA OF APPOMATTOX

P RELUDE

The earth is cursed with evilness,
Through which the Spirit of the Good
Works sagely and with power to bless
The years misunderstood.
O doubting hearts,
O blinded eyes,
The storm disparts,
The darkness dies,
The dawn springs up with light's redress,
And earth takes on Heaven's likelihood!

Though strange compulsion speaks for Hate
Behind time's wildering waste of things,
Its strident tongue is dulcet mate
To Love's that ever sings.
Believing souls,
Attending ears,
The music rolls
Across the years,
The larger joy claims grief's estate,
And earth knows Heaven's recoverings!