Written January 18, 1922 at age 27

Brother, in the lull of battle

May I tell you, while I'm here,

I was wounded in the rattle,

When the cannon's shells fell near.

Brother, I have reached my Jordan,

And I have not long to live.

I was felled by gas and sword, and,

I have but one life to give.

As I stand before the Portal

Of that distant land of Nod,

There appears no earthly mortal

Who can live apart from God.

Carry, if you live, this message

To the folks across the sea: -

All who died, or bled, in action,

Bought the world its liberty.