Happy are they and charmed in life
Who through long wars arrive unscarred
At peace. To such the wreath be given,
If they unfalteringly have striven —
In honor, as in limb, unmarred.
Let cheerful praise be rife,
And let them live their years at ease,
Musing on brothers who victorious died —
Loved mates whose memory shall ever please.
And yet mischance is honorable too —
Seeming defeat in conflict justified
Whose end to closing eyes is hid from view.
The will, that never can relent —
The aim, survivor of the bafflement,
Make this memorial due.
(Herman Melville)
More Poetry from Herman Melville:
Herman Melville Poems based on Topics: War & Peace, Life, Honor, Brothers, Memory, Happiness- Bridegroom Dick (Herman Melville Poems)
- The Haglets (Herman Melville Poems)
- The Victor Of Antietam (Herman Melville Poems)
- Stonewall Jackson (Ascribed To A Virginian) (Herman Melville Poems)
- A Meditation (Herman Melville Poems)
- On The Slain Collegians (Herman Melville Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Life Poems, War & Peace Poems, Happiness Poems, Brothers Poems, Memory Poems, Honor PoemsBased on Keywords: unmarred, unscarred, unfalteringly, bafflement