Edgar Albert Guest, 'The Joy To Be'

[duathir]

The Joy To Be

Oh, mother, be you brave of heart and keep your bright eyes shining;
Some day the smiles of joy shall start and you shall cease repining.
Beyond the dim and distant line the days of peace are waiting,
When you shall have your soldier fine, and men shall turn from hating.

Oh, mother, bear the pain a-while, as long ago you bore it;
You suffered then to win his smile, and you were happier for it;
And now you suffer once again, and bear your weight of sorrow;
Yet you shall thrill with gladness when he wins the glad to-morrow.

Oh, mother, when the cannons roar and all the brave are fighting,
Remember that the son you bore the wrongs of earth is righting;
Remember through the hours of pain that he with all his brothers
Is battling there to win again a happy world for mothers.

By Edgar Albert Guest