In War-Time

(An American Homeward-Bound)

Further and further we leave the scene
Of war—and of England’s care;
I try to keep my mind serene—
But my heart stays there;

For a distant song of pain and wrong
My spirit doth deep confuse,
And I sit all day on the deck, and long—
And long for news!

I seem to see them in battle-line—
Heroes with hearts of gold,
But of their victory a sign
The Fates withhold;

And the hours too tardy-footed pass,
The voiceless hush grows dense
’Mid the imaginings, alas!
That feed suspense.

Oh, might I lie on the wind, or fly
In the wilful sea-bird’s track,
Would I hurry on, with a homesick cry—
Or hasten back?