A DECORATION-DAY DISCORD

Even now, while listening to the songs of May,

            The nerves of hearing vibrate in my brain

            With strange discordance and a sudden pain;

Conflicting noises rise from far away, –

The crash and tumult of a deadly fray

            With jubilates for the golden reign

            Of peace resceptered and this grand refrain

“Glory to God, whom all the isles obey!”

A savage yell confounds the happy cry,

            The benediction strangles at Amen!

Exploding bombs and murder shrieks reply,

            And the white angel flies to heaven again!

The nation’s right hand wields the sanguine word, –

The left, in thanks for peace, is lifted to the Lord!

GEORGE SHEPARD BURLEIGH.

Providence, R. I., May 25, 1899.