Heavily falls the rain; <br />Wild are the breezes tonight; <br />But 'neath the roof, the hours as they fly, <br />Are happy and calm and bright. <br />Gathering round our fireside, <br />Tho' it be summer time, <br />We sit and talk of brothers abroad <br />Forgetting the midnight chime <br /> <br />Brave boys are they! <br />Gone at their country's call; <br />And yet, and yet we cannot forget <br />That many brave boys must fall. <br /> <br />Under the homestead roof <br />Nestled so cozy and warm, <br />While soldiers sleep, with little or naught <br />To shelter them from the storm. <br />Resting on grassy couches, <br />Pillow'd on hillocks damp; <br />Of martial fare, how little we know, <br />Till brothers are in the camp. <br /> <br />Thinking no less of them, <br />Loving our country the more, <br />We sent them forth to fight for the flag <br />Their fathers before them bore. <br />Though the great tear drops started, <br />This was our parting trust: <br />God bless you, boys! we'll welcome you home <br />When rebels are in the dust. <br /> <br />May the bright wings of love <br />Guard them wherever they roam; <br />The time has come when brothers must fight, <br />And sisters must pray at home. <br />Oh! The dread field of battle! <br />Soon to be strewn with graves! <br />If brothers fall, then bury them where <br />Our banner in triumph waves.<br /><br />Henry Clay Work<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/brave-boys-are-they/
