Cross Roads

PARIS

     I.  AFTER PEACE

     The city thrills once more to joyous singing;
        Glad laughter sounds again upon the street,
        And music throbs again, until young feet
     Trip merrily upon their way; the ringing
     Of hour chimes are gallant voices, flinging
        Their challenges through each crowded space, to
           greet
        Old friends who linger where they used to meet
     With other friends long gone....  The summer,
           bringing

     The light of peace, has seemed to fill the city,
           With happiness that echoes far and wide
        In sounds of joy; there seems no room for sorrow—
     Yet, like a minor chord submersed in pity,
        There steals above the music of tomorrow,
           The weary footsteps of the ones who died.