Who are these that come from the ends of the oceans, <br />Coming as the swallows come out of the South <br />In the glory of Spring? They are come among us <br />With purpose in the eyes, with a smile on the mouth. <br /> <br />These are they who have left the familiar faces, <br />Sights, sounds and scents of familiar land, <br />Taking no care for security promised aforetime, <br />Sweetness of home and the future hope had planned. <br /> <br />A lode--star drew them: Britain, standing alone <br />Clear in the darkness, not to be overcome, <br />Though the huge masses of hate are hurled against her.-- <br />Wherever the spirit of freedom breathes, is Home. <br /> <br />Soon are they joined with incomparable comrades, <br />Britain's flower, Britain's pride, <br />Against all odds despising the boastful Terror; <br />On joyous wings in the ways of the wind they ride. <br /> <br />From afar they battle for our ancient island, <br />Soaring and pouncing, masters of the skies, <br />They are heard in the night by the lands betrayed and captive <br />And a throbbing of hope to their thunder--throb replies. <br /> <br />To dare incredible things, from the ends of ocean <br />They are coming and coming over the perilous seas. <br />How shall we hail them? Truly there are no words <br />And no song worthy of these.<br /><br />Robert Laurence Binyon<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/airmen-from-overseas/
