Classic Poem

Disaster frowned;
But he was smiling.
Terror surged up;
He plunged into it.
Serene in spirit and mind
Steadfast of heart and stride.
Reckless of injury,
Undeterred by pain
His soul was possessed
By high endeavor
Nobler than all
Its elements: flame and tempests.
Combining the turbulent sea
With the steadfast heights
It stems from the nature of sacrifice
From the essence of noble giving
A torch of justice whose scorching heat
Many times has set nations free.

Along the path of greatness he walks,
Seeking eternity as a dwelling place,
Indifferent whether to chains
Or to death he comes at last,
Pledged to his resolution.
Perhaps death took him
While still confined in prison
And neither a tear from a loved one
or family bade him farewell.
Perhaps he was lowered into the ground
Without even a shroud.
Who knows whether it is the plain
That hides his body, or the mountain peak.
Do not ask where his body lies —
His name is on the lips of time.
He was the guiding star that shone through
The darkness of trial.
Bringer of light to eyes so that they should
Not know slumber.
Casting flame into hearts,
So they do not know rancor.

What face glowed with joy,
Going willingly into death
Singing forth before the world
As his soul ascended to heaven
" I am for God and Country! "