Seager, Alexandrine – January 1916
A SOLIDER’S SWEETHEART.
Soft summer night of just two years ago.
How happily we watched the old year die!
What recked we of the passing years, or aught
Save Love then- you and I.
The breezes stirred the scent of roses sweet;
A little bird woke, twittered, slept again;
And love was ours- the world seemed at our feet-
Ah, foolish thought and vain!
Why! Near that garden, though we saw them not,
Grim, grisly things lurked waiting just beside-
Hate, War, and Death mocking at love and life-
And life was at the tide.
Two years ago! And now I sit alone,
On the same seat where we sat side by side;
‘Twas here he whispered then in loves soft tone
To me his promised bride.
He fell for Empire! Yes, and I am proud;
But pride is cold; the summer wind strikes chill.
Ahead? Ah! weary waste of barren years-
He sleeps on Lone Pine Hill.
The perfumed roses’ reminiscent breath
For one swift moment makes me feel him near;
It floats by and is gone, and all seems death
This still and dying year.
But, for the sake of him who sleeps beneath
A rugged cross beside a sobbing sea,
I’ll choke these selfish tears, and New Year make
Worthy his memory.
January 1st, 1916
