Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 May 1916 — Gardens of the Dead [ARTICLE]

Gardens of the Dead

Out to the gardens of the dead, With low-bowed heads and solemn tread. The few remaining veterans go, The screech of fife and roll of drum Bring back again the feet grown numb, The measured step and slow. Pierced by the rays of springtime’s sun, Like drops of blood the dew-drops run From new-born leaves and flowers, And tear-drops mingle with the dew, As memory brings some face to view, Like rain-drops after showers. Upon each sleeping comrade's tomb. They placed the lilac’s fragrant bloom, And bleeding-hearts, bright red— And near each head-stone white and fair. They flung Old Glory to the air. In honor of their dead. Long may we keep their memory dear, Let every heart their deeds revere; For us they fought and died, And as those living pass away, Let sons and grandsons keep this day, And deck their graves with pride.