Louis Untermeyer

Challenge

The quiet and courageous night,
A The keen vibration of the stars,
Call me, from morbid peace, to fight
The world's forlorn and desperate wars.

The air throbs like a rolling drum
The brave hills and the singing sea,
Unrest and people's faces come
Like battle-trumpets, rousing me.

And while Life's lusty banner flies,
I shall assail, with raging mirth,
The scornful and untroubled skies,
The cold complacency of earth.