Page 222 - Arkansas Confederate Women

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Poem to the Women of the Confederacy 195

Twine the myrtle with the ivy,

And the fragrant scented vine;

Bring the white magnolia blossoms

And the crimson columbine.

North and East and South and Westward, ,

From its columns pure and white,

Write upon the peerless marble,

On its polished tablets, write

How they toiled and prayed and suffered

Through the long and bitter years,
Kept the altar fires burning.

With the increase of their tears;

How their love, in streams of blessing,

Wore its channels deep and wide,
Bore the fortunes of the battle,

On its broad and surging tide;

How their faith, that trusted ever,

Rested on the soldier's shield,
Watched above the bloody carnage,

And upon the tented field.

How the summer bloomed and faded,

Yet did Love and Trust abide,
But their hopes, like shattered roses,

With the autumn glory died.

Then from out the burning embers,
Love and hope and faith and trust

Soared above the desolation,
Shook their plumage of its dust;

Eeturning, brought the sprig of olive,

Saw the bow of promise spanned,
And the dawn of peace and plenty

O'er a broad and smiling land.