Decoration Day

This is the day of dauntless memories, Hours that live turn back to deathless hours, But sheltered in my heart there lies, As in a grave, A memory serene and brave That needs no flowers.

No valiant tale to stir the blood to wine — Dear enemy that struck at me and fled! — And yet the victory was mine. As mine the pain, And still my heart resounds its gain, Its cherished dead.