They lit a fire within their land that long was ashes cold, <br />With splendid dreams they made it glow, threw in their hearts of gold. <br />They saw thy slowly paling cheek and knew thy failing breath, <br />They bade thee live once more, Kathleen, who wert so nigh to death. <br />And who dare quench the sacred fire, and who dare give them blame, <br />Since he who draws too near the glow shall break into a flame ? <br />They lit a beacon in their land, built of the souls of men, <br />To make thee warm once more, Kathleen, to bid thee live again.<br /><br />Dora Sigerson Shorter<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-sacred-fire/
