Poems of Patriotism/The Call to Service

by Edgar A. Guest

The Call to Service

These are the days when little thoughts
Must cease men’s minds to occupy;
The nation needs men’s larger creeds,
Big men must answer to her cry;
No longer selfish ways we tread,
The greater task lies just ahead.

These are the days when petty things
By all men must be thrust aside;
The country needs men’s finest deeds,
Awakened is the nation’s pride;
Men must forsake their selfish strife
Once more to guard their country’s life.