Poems (Spofford)/Peace

For works with similar titles, see Peace.
PEACE.
Oh, that the bells in all those silent spires
Would clash their clangor on the sleeping air;
Ring their wild music out with throbbing choirs,
  Ring peace in everywhere!

Oh, that the wave of sorrow surging o'er
The red, red land would wash away its stain;
Drown out the angry fire from shore to shore,
  And give it peace again!

On last year's blossoming graves, with summer calm,
Loud in his happy tangle hums the bee;
Nature forgets her hurt, and finds her balm;
  Alas! and why not we?

Spirit of God that moved upon the face
Of the waters, and bade ancient chaos cease,
Shine, shine again o'er this tumultuous space
  Thou that art Prince of Peace!