<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">A Thanksgiving</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Before</span> the winter's haunted nights are o'er,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">I thankfully rejoice, that stars look down</p><p class="line">Above the darkened streets, and I adore</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The Heavens in London Town.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">The Heavens, beneath which Alfred stood, when he</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Built ramparts by the tide against his foes,</p><p class="line">The skies men loved, when in eternity</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The dreamlike Abbey rose;</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">The Heavens, whose glory has not known increase</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Since Raleigh swaggered home by lantern-light,</p><p class="line">And Shakespeare looking upwards knew the peace,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The cool deep peace of night.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Under those Heavens brave Wesley rose betimes</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">To preach ere daybreak to the tender soul;</p><p class="line">And in the heart of Keats the starry rhymes</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Rolled, and for ever roll.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I too have walked with them the heavenly ways,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">Tracing the sweet embroideries of the sky,</p><p class="line">And I shall not forget, when arcs shall blaze,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">And all the lights are high.</p></div><p class="byline">-- Edward Shillito.</p></body></html> · Great War