Summer In London

    Oh, the noise of Piccadilly - its rumble and its roar!
    A tide of life's broad ocean surging toward the shore.
    Who once has listened, ever can hear its long refrain
    With haunting echo drowning or dirge or flaunting strain.
    Who heeds it, in his vision may see a world-throng pass -
    And over there the Green Park with laughing lad and lass;
    While weary men and women and careless youth go by,
    Where windows glow and glitter, and in the evening sky
    A crescent moon is watching the laughing lass and lad.
    The long, warm London twilight! Happy they are, though sad.
    With kiss and tear they are parting. 'Tis late - the rush and roar -
    The life of Picadilly is waning - is no more.

    Ah, the dark, the cold, the stillness of the trenches in the night,
    Where freezing men are crouching in the lull before the fight.
    Then for one the calm is broken by the rumble and the roar
    Of far-off Picadilly, and in dreams, as oft before,
    He sees her who wept at parting. What was that? A whining shell?
    Once a man - that huddled horror! He was smiling as he fell.

    Summer has returned to London. Now the Green Park gleams anew.
    Cheers and tears together mingle - but the breaking heart beats true.
    Blare of trumpet! - blood and fire! - so her hero marched away.
    Happy lad and lass they parted - now the pitying sky is gray.
    Blood and fire! Through its heroes shall a nation live again.
    Blare of trumpet! But in silence aching hearts must bear their pain.
    Ah, the stillness of the trenches! ah, the rumble and the roar!
    Cheers and tears by England offered for the lads who come no more.

    1915

Helen Leah Reed

Helen Leah Reed (1860-1926) was an American author and poet, renowned for her contributions to children's literature and her historical novels. She was an influential literary figure of her time, often remembered for her stories that blended education with entertainment. Reed's works reflected her deep knowledge and interest in history, making her a notable figure in early 20th-century American literature.

Helen Leah Reed

Oak-Leaves

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

The Grand Army Passes

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

Ah! Little Lake

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

Town And Country

Helen Leah Reed, Simple Poetry

English

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