That Which Remaineth

by Vera Brittain

That Which Remaineth was published in Brittain's collection, Verses of a V.A.D. in 1918. Visit World War I Literature for other works by authors who experienced the War.

An illustration for the story That Which Remaineth by the author Vera Brittain

(In Memory of Captain E. H. Brittain, M.C.)

Only the thought of a merry smile,
The wistful dreaming of sad brown eyes—
A brave young warrior, face aglow
With the light of a lofty enterprise.
Only the hope of a gallant heart,
The steady strife for a deathless crown,
In Memory’s treasures, radiant now
With the gleam of a goal beyond renown.
Only the tale of a dream fulfilled,
A strenuous day and a well-fought fight,
A fearless leader who laughed at Death,
And the fitting end of a gentle knight.
Only a Cross on a mountain side,
The close of a journey short and rough,
A sword laid down and a stainless shield—
No more—and yet, is it not enough?

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