MY thoughts go marching like an armed host <br />Out of the city of silence, guns and cars; <br />Troop after troop across my dreams they post <br />To the invasion of the winds and stars. <br />O brave array of youth's untamed desire! <br />With thy bold, dauntless captain Hope to lead <br />His raw recruits to Fate's opposing fire, <br />And up the walls of Circumstance to bleed. <br />How fares the expedition in the end? <br />When this, my heart, shall have old age for king <br />And to the wars no further troop can send, <br />What final message will the arm'stice bring? <br />The host gone forth in youth the world to meet, <br />In age returns --- in victory or defeat?<br /><br />William Stanley Braithwaite<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/my-thoughs-go-marching-like-an-armed-host/
