They Speak From The Grave

[Rachel Kaufmann]

They Speak From the Grave

We hear the voice of those long passed

Beyond the realm of sight.

They trod the path which all must tread

And faced the falling night.

The sword of truth they girded on.

Took up the shield of faith.

Ahead the hosts of darkness grim;

At hand no resting place.

Today beyond the deathless grave

We hear their battle cry:

“Fight on! Fight on! Oh turn not back!

If Truth be worthy – die!”

Their cry awoke the echos voice

And down the following years

We hear their footsteps in the mists

As soft as falling tears.

They being dead yet cry aloud

Mid ages restless flight.

Though dust to dust return again

By faith they vanquished night!

Discussion

[Sherri Steiner]

I like the theme of this piece, Rachel.

I suggest switching stanzas 3 and 4 for better flow, but it’s your choice.

[Rachel Kaufmann]

Any thoughts on this version?

I switched the verses per your suggestion, and fiddled around with the wording a bit here and there as well.

They Speak From the Grave

1: We hear the voice of those long passed

Beyond the realm of sight.

They labored up the mountain steeps

And faced the falling night.

2: The sword of truth they girded on.

Took up the shield of faith.

Ahead the hosts of darkness grim;

At hand no resting place.

3:Their cry awoke the echos voice

And down the following years

We hear their footsteps in the mists

As soft as falling tears.

4:Today beyond the deathless grave

We hear that battle cry:

“Fight on! Fight on! Oh turn not back!

If Truth be worthy – die!”

5:They being dead yet speak to us

Mid ages restless flight:

“Though dust to dust return again

Yet faith shall vanquish night!”

[Sherri Steiner]

One other suggestion: stanza 2, lines 1 and 2 could read “They girded on the sword of truth, took up the shield of faith.” It would be natural syntax that way. But if you’re wishing to emphasize the sword of truth, there may be value in the original wording.

I like the flow in this revised version!

• This reply was modified 8 months, 2 weeks ago by  Sherri Steiner.

[Rachel Kaufmann]

Thanks so much for your thoughts! Much appreciated!

[Author]

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