The Dead

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  Hail and farewell to those who fought and died,
  Not laughingly adventurous, nor pale
  With idiot hatred, nor to fill the tale
  Of racial selfishness and patriot pride,
  But merely that their own souls rose and cried
  Alarum when they heard the sudden wail
  Of stricken freedom and along the gale
  Saw her eternal banner quivering wide.

  Farewell, high-hearted friends, for God is dead
  If such as you can die and fare not well
  If when you fall your gallant spirit fail.
  You are with us still, and can we be adread
  Though hell gape, bloody-fanged and horrible?
  Glory and hope of us who love you, Hail!

© John Le Gay Brereton