The great, gaunt commoner
Knelt in grief and supplication.
God, in his shadow, touched him saying,
"My son, arise and behold!"
Where once the crosses rose
Was a field of lilies;
Walking through them, the living forms
Of the crucified, One among them
Like unto God who said,
"Behold, my brothers, not in vain,
Oh, not in vain we died,
But to bring undying beauty."
God spoke again,
"My son, have patience--
Look to far horizons
To see the glory of America,
And beyond, the glory of the world."
There among the crosses
God and the commoner were gone
But the fragrance lingered.
