War-Sacrifice

On a rock-altar stern
In sacrificial fires,
A man goes up to burn
His memories and desires.

Sweet savors of the earth,
All innocence and ease,
All pleasantness and mirth,
He offers on his knees.

His trembling, star-white dreams;
His body’s secret fear;
His life--how dear it seems,
How knit with lives more dear!

Last offering, and most dread--
With blind arms thrust above
His bowed and suffering head,
He burns his brother-love:

Yet from that altar springs,
Magnificently bright,
A Love with fiery wings
To fill the world with light.