In Memoriam
M.N.F. Serbia, 10th March 1915
Blue-eyed, white-souled; blameless in word and deed! —
How fortunate a thing it is to leave
This life in such a way that none may grieve,
Or say – ‘Alas! But for that little weed
The plot had been so fair.’ For her, no need
To sigh or make lament. She did achieve
Her sacrifice; and we the garland weave,
Of white and evergreen, by love decreed:
While you, the mother, by the fire alone —
Dreaming again the happy days forespent,
Can scarce believe that tragic word the last.
But not for you the dark, unreasoned moan —
You know she gave herself with high intent,
And that for hero ways her heart beat fast.
12th March 1915.
About this poem
from Pro Patria (Edinburgh, 1915)