GERALDINE R. GLASGOW

A LULLABY

Because some men in khaki coats
are marching out to war
beneath a torn old flag that floats
as proudly as before
Because they will not stop or stay
but march with eager tread –
a little baby far away
sleeps safely in her bed.

Because some grim, gray sentinels
stand always silently
where each dull shadow falls and swells
upon a restless sea;
Because their lonely watch they keep
with keen and wakeful eyes –
a little child may safely sleep
until the sun shall rise.

Because some swift and shadowy things
hold patient guard on high
Like birds or sails or shielding wings
against a stormy sky –
Because a strange light spreads and sweeps
across a darkened way –
A little baby sleeps
until the dawn of day.

Written in 1917 by Geraldine R. Glasgow