The Poetry Corner

Ten Thousand Men A Day

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

All the world was wearying, All the world was sad; Everything was shadow-filled; Things were going bad. Then a rumour stirred all hearts As a wind stirs trees - Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas! Soon we saw them marching by - God! what a sight! - Shoulders back, and heads erect, Faces full of light. Smiling like a morn in May, Moving like a breeze, Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas. Weary soldiers worn with war Lifted up their eyes, Shadows seemed to fade a bit, Dawn was in the skies. Hope sprang to troubled hearts, Strength to tired knees: Ten thousand men a day Were coming over seas. France and England swarmed with them, Khaki-clad and young, Filled with all the joy of life - Into line they swung. Waning valour rose anew At the sight of these Ten thousand men a day Coming over seas. Still they come - and still they come In their strength and pride. Victory with radiant mien Marches on beside. Victory is here to stay, Every heart agrees, With ten thousand men a day Coming over seas.