Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By SophieJewett

1502 Armistice

THE WATER sings along our keel,

The wind falls to a whispering breath;

I look into your eyes and feel

No fear of life or death;

So near is love, so far away

The losing strife of yesterday.

We watch the swallow skim and dip;

Some magic bids the world be still;

Life stands with finger upon lip;

Love hath his gentle will;

Though hearts have bled, and tears have burned,

The river floweth unconcerned.

We pray the fickle flag of truce

Still float deceitfully and fair;

Our eyes must love its sweet abuse;

This hour we will not care,

Though just beyond to-morrow’s gate,

Arrayed and strong, the battle wait.