Silence After Thunder

I AM the voice that spoke and was not heard:
On fields where dying sleep, though lost or won,
The battle echoes in their dreams — no word
Of mine remains. I am the pledge begun
When promises surround the growing child;
They knew me well when they were very young:
I am their language of the trees; the wild
Stream flowing, answering in their boyish tongue.
And even though they left me waiting here,
Lost in my ancient thoughts, the quick should know
That once there was a voice both far and near —
I spoke to them; but that was long ago:
Now they are left with sordid ends and spring,
And silence after thunder, whispering.