Shadows (Howe)/Retrospect

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RETROSPECT
THE stately pile I passed to-day was marred
With dust and shattered glass and school-boy scrawls
Of chalk defacing all the lower walls;
But from beyond I looked and saw them not—
Only the pinnacles gleamed heavenward.
To-night I think on one beloved, and dead,
And marvel at the nothings once so grave.
Now banners of his strength above them wave,
Now are the lower earth-stained walls forgot;
The glorious towers are shining overhead.

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