Remembrance Day

Verse from the 1923 edition of Robert Stead's The Empire Builders.

HE SLEEPS IN FLANDERS 

                      He sleeps in Flanders. Well he sleeps,

                           For Flanders' sleep is deep indeed;

                      About his bed the trench-rat creeps;

                      In some far home a woman weeps;

                      And the lone moon its vigil keeps

                           Above his sleep in Flanders. 

                      No note shall break the silent sleep

                           That found him when his day was done;

                      No note is blown so loud and deep

                      That it can pierce the gates of sleep—

                      The earthen gates full damp and deep —

                            That guard his sleep in Flanders. 

                      He saw not where his path should lead,

                            Nor sought a path to suit his will;

                      He saw a nation in her need;

                      He heard the cause of Honor plead;

                      He heard the call, he gave it heed,

                           And now he sleeps in Flanders. 

                      Yet let this ray of light remain,

                           Though darkness cut him from our view;

                      We know the sacrifice, the pain

                      We cannot feel our faith is vain

                      We know the loss, but not the gain

                           Of those who sleep in Flanders.