John Boyle O'Reilly

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Title:     John Boyle O'Reilly
Author: James Whitcomb Riley [More Titles by Riley]

SEPULTURE--BOSTON, AUGUST 13, 1890

Dead? this peerless man of men--
Patriot, Poet, Citizen!--
Dead? and ye weep where he lies
Mute, with folded eyes!

Courage! All his tears are done;
Mark him, dauntless, face the sun!
He hath led you.--Still, as true,
He is leading you.

Folded eyes and folded hands
Typify divine commands
He is hearkening to, intent
Beyond wonderment.

'Tis promotion that has come
Thus upon him. Stricken dumb
Be your moanings dolorous!
God knows what He does.

Rather as your chief, aspire!--
Rise and seize his toppling lyre,
And sing Freedom, Home, and Love,
And the rights thereof!

Ere in selfish grief ye sink,
Come! catch rapturous breath and think--
Think what sweep of wing hath he,
Loosed in endless liberty.

[The end]
James Whitcomb Riley's poem: John Boyle O'reilly

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