As They Leave Us

AS THEY LEAVE US

Permission of the author

Bid farewell with pride, Show no trace of sorrow; Smile into their eyes, Though your courage borrow; There will be another day, And a time To pay!

Gallant is their look, But their hearts are tender. Cry aloud your faith! Loyal tribute render! For they go—the young, the brave— Liberty To save!

Tell them not of fear; Whisper not of sadness; Overbrim to-day With heroic gladness; Let your love, remembered, shine As a light Benign!

Simple is their trust, But 'tis deep as ocean; Lofty is their hope, Selfless their devotion; And they go—the young, the brave— Liberty To save!

Hark! The bugles call! Wave your banners!—cheer them! Happy, let them dream All that's valiant near them! They will know, when far from you, That the dream Was true!

—Florence Earle Coates