WAR-SACRIFICE
On a rock-altar stern
In sacrificial fires,
A man goes up to burn
His memories and desires.
Sweet savors of the earth,
All innocence and ease,
All pleasantness and mirth,
He offers on his knees.
His trembling, star-white dreams;
His body’s secret fear;
His life—how dear it seems,
How knit with lives more dear!
Last offering, and most dread—
With blind arms thrust above
His bowed and suffering head,
He burns his brother-love:
Yet from that altar springs,
Magnificently bright,
A Love with fiery wings
To fill the world with light.