The Last Full Measure of Devotion



How many years since then have passed?
How many memories did last?
Processions meant to consecrate
Seem only to inebriate.
What ignorance have we amassed?

How many warriors are left?
Do we know of what we're bereft?
Now, only granite crosses blaze
The martyrs of those bygone days.
Why did we undertake this theft?

What magnitude was in their deed?
Did they not validate our creed?
To alpine snows and desert sands
They fell with rifles in their hands.
Would we, if not by them, be freed?

What price did they pay for our leisure?
Why did they go to such a measure?
God takes the firm and spares the tainted.
Only the victims can be sainted.
Is unmarred rest their only treasure?

What principles have we defaced?
On what is our appraisal based?
We prize worth of commodity,
But not of precious liberty.
Is all our gratitude erased?

Why is time ranked by the second?
Why not by every conquest reckoned?
Gold forever keeps its shine
But graven saviors wear with time.
What apple has from the roots beckoned?

How many years since then have past?
How are we unlearned while unchaste?
With each conclusion of December
We find it harder to remember.
How long will our endowment last?
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Submitted on May 02, 2011

Modified on March 05, 2023

1:03 min read
17

Quick analysis:

Scheme AABBA CCDDC EEFFE GGHHG IIJJI KKXXK AAGGA
Closest metre Iambic tetrameter
Characters 1,142
Words 210
Stanzas 7
Stanza Lengths 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5, 5

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