| Publication information |
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Source: Congregationalist and Christian World Source type: magazine Document type: poem Document title: “Not in Vain” Author(s): DeForest, Charlotte Burgis Date of publication: 21 September 1901 Volume number: 86 Issue number: 38 Pagination: 419 |
| Citation |
| DeForest, Charlotte Burgis. “Not in Vain.” Congregationalist and Christian World 21 Sept. 1901 v86n38: p. 419. |
| Transcription |
| full text |
| Keywords |
| William McKinley (death: poetry). |
| Named persons |
| none. |
| Notes |
| Author’s last name in the publication is given as De Forest. |
| Document |
Not in Vain
As one who sits in gloom, the nation mourns.
The path unto the grave—a veilèd path
While men brought merchandise, and ate, and slept—
Has been laid open to the people’s soul.
Like as the sunlight bursts through darkening clouds,
So for a moment has a farther light
Shone through the mortal wound of our dead chief,
To quicken seed that lay in lethargy
Of self-security and stagnant peace.
And let the tearful clouds that darken now
This goodly land of freedom and of light,
Water the grain unto the harvesting
Of clearer sight and purer liberty.