The Earth moans in her sleep <br />Like an old mother <br />Whose sons have gone to the war, <br />Who weeps silently in her heart <br />Till dreams comfort her. <br /> <br />The Earth tosses <br />As if she would shake off humanity, <br />A burden too heavy to be borne, <br />And free of the pest of intolerable men, <br />Spin with woods and waters <br />Joyously in the clear heavens <br />In the beautiful cool rains, <br />Bearing gladly the dumb animals, <br />And sleep when the time comes <br />Glistening in the remains of sunlight <br />With marmoreal innocency. <br /> <br />Be comforted, old mother, <br />Whose sons have gone to the war; <br />And be assured, O Earth, <br />Of your burden of passionate men, <br />For without them who would dream the dreams <br />That encompass you with glory, <br />Who would gather your youth <br />And store it in the jar of remembrance, <br />Who would comfort your old heart <br />With tales told of the heroes, <br />Who would cover your face with the cerecloth <br />All rustling with stars, <br />And mourn in the ashes of sunlight, <br />Mourn your marmoreal innocency?<br /><br />Duncan Campbell Scott<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/new-year-s-night-1916/
