<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The Gold Star</h1><p class="byline"> EDGAR A. GUEST Copyright, 1918, by Edgar A. Guest. Special permission to reproduce in this book.</p><div class="stanza"><p class="line">T'he star upon their service flag has changed to gleaming gold;</p><p class="line">It speaks no more of hope and life, as once it did of old, </p><p class="line">But splendidly it glistens now for every eye to see</p><p class="line">And softly whispers: "Here lived one who died for liberty.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">"Here once he walked and played and laughed, here oft his smile was known;</p><p class="line">Within these walls today are kept the toys he used to own.</p><p class="line">Now I am he who marched away and I am he who fell</p><p class="line"> Of service once I spoke, but now of sacrifice I tell.</p><p class="line">"No richer home in all this land is there than this I grace,</p><p class="line">For here was cradled manhood fine; within this humble place</p><p class="line">A soldier for the truth was born, and here, beside the door,</p><p class="line">A mother sits and grieves for him who shall return no</p><p class="line">more.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">''Salute me, stranger, as you pass! I mark a soldier who </p><p class="line">Gave up the joys of living here, to dare and die for you!</p><p class="line">This is the home that once he knew, who fought for you and fell;</p><p class="line">This is a shrine of sacrifice, where faith and courage dwell."</p></div></body></html> · Great War