Addison, Pauline, "Pat" (1916-1984) The Unknown Soldier Speaks and Christmas Thanks
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09576.141.02 Author/Creator: Addison, Pauline, "Pat" (1916-1984) Place Written: Milroy, Indiana Type: Poem Date: 29 December 1937 Pagination: 2 p. ; Order a Copy
One poem by Pauline "Pat" Addison sent to Paul H. Lobik dated December 29, 1937. The sheet includes two poems the first is entitled "The Unknown Soldier Speaks" the second is entitled "Christmas Thanks."
Paul H. Lobik changed his last name from Hlobik between June and August of 1936. As a result the earlier letters in his collection are addressed to Paul Hlobik and the later letters are addressed to Paul. H. Lobik. To remain constant and honor his choice of name he is listed in all letters as Paul H. Lobik.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
The Unknown Soldier Speaks
No flowers for the living-for the dead,
I lower on the breast, at the feet and head,
Wild sobs in your throats, tears in your eye
For an unknown soldier forced to die
Here in the ranks of honored and famed,
Rebels and outlaws broken and shamed,
Carried to rest in the enemy land-
Maimed and killed by the enemy hand.
Though madly we fought (we would not
yield)
'Twas only to lie in Flander's Field.
Side by side in a long dreamless
[struck: sleep] [insert: rest,]
Brothers in death, the honored and blest.
Banked now around me the flowers you
give-
But what of the buddies of mine who live?
Do you [on] that they are warmed and fed?
Naught for the living-Flowers for the
dead.
Oh living God, may all warfare cease,
The world be clothed in eternal peace,
May men end the hosts of scarred
and maimed,
May no more lie in this field- [strikeout]
un-named.
Our sacrifice vain until you give
Comfort and cheer to those who live,
Peace for the living, for whom we bled,
Is fitting flowers for the unknown
dead
(over)
[2]
Christmas Thanks
For hearts that mourn the woe they view
The hungry child, the halt, the blind,
The aged and weak life's left behind,
And mourning, turns some good to do.
For love that fills this world of care-
War torn and wracked with hate and strife,
Yet, breathing cause to live in life
Through love and faith and hope and prayer.
For family bond and strength and health,
Eager love and sweet compassion
Bits of beauty here to fashion
The only lasting mold of wealth.
For music, books, and every art,
The power to think, the will to live,
The strength to strive and the urge to
give,
For hidden dreams locked in each heart,
I view my blessings with surprise
and praise the God who doth bestowe,
With loving heart on us below,
There gifts from His Own Paradise.
And here the Rosary Prayer
on John's Card -
My Rosary and a Christmas
Prayer
That all the whole year through,
The truest peace and happiness
Will cheer your heart and you.
Did I send you the poem beginning "It is something to have wept as we have wept"?
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