PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

Stanton said it, "Now he belongs to the ages";

yes, and now in History's glorious pages,

he takes his place.  His greatness is more than the span

of life given an ordinary man.

He has abandoned the politics and rages

of platforms, stumps and assassins' stages.

These last four years of our great tragedy

were his slow walk into Gethsemane;

and Appomattox Courthouse---victory!---

became, for him, the peak of Calvary,

achieving malice toward none; and, for all, charity.

But now as this sad morning greets the dawn,

the greatest of us all has quietly gone.

We know this martyr's quick, but world-wearied eyes

gazes at once on Christ in Paradise,

and on long-waiting, glorified, barefoot Ann.

Starward