The Anxious Dead
In the April issue, the Whiz Bang published the noted poem of Lt. Col. John McCrae, “In Flanders Field.” Here is his other masterpiece, “The Anxious Dead,” and also “America’s Answer,” by R. W. Lillard, and “Poppies,” by J. Eugene Chrisman.
By Lt.-Col. John McCrae
Oh guns, fall silent till the dead men hear
Above their heads the legions passing on;
Those fought their fight in time of bitter fear,
And died not knowing how the day had gone.
Oh flashing muzzle, pause and let them see,
The coming dawn that streaks the sky afar;
Then let your mighty chorus witness be
To them and Caesar, that we still make war.
Tell them, oh guns, that we have heard their call,
That we have sworn and will not turn aside,
That we will onward till we win or fall,
That we will keep the faith for which they died.
Bid them be patient, and some day, anon,
They shall feel earth enrapt in silence deep,
Shall greet, in wonderment, the quiet dawn,
And in content may turn them to their sleep.
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