In Spite of War

In spite of war, in spite of death.

In spite of all men's sufferings,

Some one within me laughs and sings

And I must praise with all my breath.

In spite of war, in spite of hate

Lilacs are blooming at my gate,

Tulips are tripping down the path

In spite of war, in spite of wrath.

"Courage!" The morning glory saith;

"Rejoice!" The daisy murmureth,

And just to live is so divine

When pansies lift their eyes to mine.

The clods are ramping with the sea,

And flashing waves call back to me

That nought is real but what is fair,

That everywhere and everywhere

A glory liveth thought despair.

Through guns may roar cannon booms,

Rose are burn and gardens bloom,

My spirit still may light its flame

At the same torch whence the poppies came.

When the morning's altar whitely burns

Lilies may lift their silver urns

IN spite of war, in spite of shame.

And in my ear a whispering breath,

"Wake from the night mare! Look and see

Thar life is naught ecstasy

In spite of war, in spite of Death.

Writer: M. sudais