Poem - Violet B. Cramer

Gallipoli

By Violet B. Cramer

(August, 1915)

The clarion call To Arms!

Rang out a year ago.

We sent our best to face the foe

And meet the war’s alarms;

But, oh! we prayed they would return

Nearly a year ago.

The call is sounding still,

And men go day by day.

We smile , but turn aside to pray-

“God-keep our men from ill.”

We must not let them see our tears

When they have pluck to go.

How fine they looked, and strong!

Our gallant hero men.

We cheer, them, as we cheered them then,

Though days and nights are long,

And wonder, do they light to-day?—

The men we worship so.

We read of gallant deeds,

And glowed to hear their fame—

As dashing up the cliffs they came

To meet the Empire's needs.

Through shot and shell they scaled the Heights

A few short months ago.

They did not flinch or turn,

Though many a comrade tell.

’Twas as a scorching blast from Hell

That met their faces stern,

And swept their ranks with with’ring fire

Laying their noblest low.

No more we’ll see them here,

Those brave lads gone before;

Passing through Death, tile mystic door,

Which leads we know n o t where.

We trace their footsteps to its brink-

And ah! we miss-them so!

Good gives his children sleep,

For they have battled sore;

Resting till Time shall be no more,

Our loved ones He will keep.

Hush! wake them not from slumber deep:

They were content to go.