The Poetical Works of Jonathan E. Hoag/Scatter Sweet Roses

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Scatter Sweet Roses

No voices arise from the dark, silent tomb;
  We are left with our thoughts of the vanishing past.
Let us list as we may through the darkening gloom,
  And scatter sweet roses whilst roses may last.

Yes, scatter sweet roses while sorrow we brave,
  Fond mothers who list for a step as of yore.
For poppies, fair poppies, keep watch o'er a grave;
  Then scatter sweet roses 'neath crape on the door.


And now beside the Marne forlorn,
Where lately waved the tasseled corn,
Where now the yellow poppies bloom,
We bow before a voiceless tomb.

1922