Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 127, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 May 1910 — DECORATION DAY. [ARTICLE]

DECORATION DAY.

t* • " ' With sable-draped banner and slow, measured tread, Ths flower-laden ranks pass the gates of the dead; And. decking each mount where a comrade’s form rests. Leave tear-bedewed garlands to bloom on his breast. „ Ended at last In the labor of love, Once more through the gateway the saddened lines move. A wailing of anguish, a sobbing of grief Falls low on the ear of the battle-scar-red chief. Close crouched by the portals a sunnyhaired child Besought him in accents which grief rendered wild:

Oh, sir, he was good, and they say he died brave; ~~ r.v: : Why why did you pass by my dear papa’s grave? I know he was poor, but as kind and as true As ever marched into the battle with you— His grave is so humble no stone marks the spot. You may not have seen it. Oh, say you did not! For my poor heart will break if you knew he was there And thought him too lowly .your offerings to share. He didn’t die lowly—he poured his heart’s blood In rich crimson streams from the topcrowning sod Of the breastworks, which were in the front of the fight— \ And died shouting: “Onward! for God and the right!’ Oer all your dead comrades your bright garlands wave, But you haven’t put one on my papa’s grave. If mamma were here —but she lies by his side; Her weary heart broke when dear papa died.”

“Battalion! file left! countermarch!” cried the chief; “This orphaned young maid has full cause for her grief.” Then up in his arms from the hot, dusty street He lifted the maiden, while in through the gate The long line repaSses, and many an eye Pays tribute' of tears to the lone orphan’s sigh. This way it is—here, sir, right under this tree; They lie close together, with just room for me.” “Halt! Cover with roses each lowly green mound., A love pure as this makes those graves hallowed ground.”

Oh, thank you, kind sir; I ne’er can repay / The kindness you’re shown little Nellie to-day; But I’ll pray for you here each day while I live; ’Tis all that a poor soldier’s orphan can give. I shall see papa soon, ahd dear mamma, too— I dreamed so last night, and I know 'twill come true; And they will both bless you, I know, when I tell How you folded your arms ’round their dear little Nell— How you cheered her sad heart and soothed it to rest. And hushed its wild throbs on your strong, noble breast; And when the kind angels shall call you to come Who’ll welcome you there to our beautiful home,. Where death never comes his black banners to wave. And the beautiful flowers ne’er weep o’er a grave.”