Memorial Day & Graduation

Dear Members, Alumni, & Friends of the JSMT:

Graduations and Memorial Day (May 30th) are upon us, marking the unofficial ending of springtime and the beginning of summer. Here are two poems for your reading pleasure: The first poem is dedicated to all our intrepid graduates who are venturing forth to improve the world we live in, and the second poem is in honor of all the heroes whom we remember with gratitude on Memorial Day.

“Up-Hill” by Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

Does the road wind up-hill all the way?

       Yes, to the very end.

Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?

       From morn to night, my friend.

But is there for the night a resting-place?

       A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.

May not the darkness hide it from my face?

       You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?

       Those who have gone before.

Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?

       They will not keep you standing at that door.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?

       Of labor you shall find the sum.

Will there be beds for me and all who seek?

       Yea, beds for all who come.

“Decoration Day” by Evaleen Stein (1863-1923)

See the soldiers, little ones!

       Hark the drummers’ beat!

See them with their flags and guns

       Marching down the street!

Tattered flags from out the wars,

       Let us follow these

To the little stripes and stars

       Twinkling through the trees.

Watch them waving through the grass

       Where the heroes sleep!

Thither gently let us pass

       On this day we keep.

Let us bring our blossoms, too,

       All our gardens grow;

Lilacs honey-sweet with dew,

       And the lilies’ snow.

Every posy of the May,

       Every bloomy stem,

Every bud that breaks to-day

       Gather now for them.

Lay the lilies o’er them thus,

       Lovingly, for so

Down they laid their lives for us,

       Long and long ago.

Heap above them bud and bough;

       Softly, ere we cease,

God, we pray Thee, gently now

       Fold them in Thy peace!

Happy Memorial Day to all our readers! :)

Rob