'The Cross' By Leon Gellert

 

“I wear a cross of bronze,” he said,

      “And men have told me I was brave.”

He turned his head,

      And pointing to a grave,

“They told me that my work of war was done.”

      His fierce mouth set.

      “And yet, and yet…..”

         He trembled where he stood,

      “And yet, and yet…..

I have not won

      That broken cross of wood.”