When sullied world is gone, or rent Hidden meanings like hidden ghosts arise. That Lee might live the thought fidelity, To defeat or victory indifferent, 5 A world's measure of gain and loss Lies in his swords' ceremonial cross. O nothing but a passion burns Mourned countries to their soot. Spotless Appomattox first and last, 10 Lee's ruinous duty, and after Kent's canon that shook the stocks, Who served a sane, distracted Lear Because he knew a royal soul was one Human before humanity had come. 15 Long, long lay the shadows on the grass; Uniformed men flit and pass. How many of the undiscerning multitude When Lee passed there had thought The great grey face all gravity, 20 Stone blossom of a moral root. What first might drive a man To live an abstract thought? O nothing but a passion burns Mourned countries to their soot. 25 Courthouse shadows judge the field Where Lee both tried and failed; A lonely, exalted thought that still Drives restless as a nail. O How had Athens come and gone 30 Without one such man? Long, long lay the shadows on the grass; Uniformed men flit and pass.
From the collection "Divine Revolt"
Written by Gregg Glory [Gregg G. Brown]
More information available on gregglory.com.