Departure of the “First Utah”

Departure of the "First Utah'

A black night — and a sombre throng,

Solemn and still, as there marched along,

With noiseless feet,

Thro' the vibrant mass that filled the street,

The Utah Guard, on its way to war.

Khaki blurred 'neath flickering light;

Lifted faces, grave and white;

An undefinable, virgin air

About the youthful soldiers there,

Upborne by women's sacrifice.

Unresting feet on the outward road ;

Bearing their share of the Nation's load ;

With mien remote that seemed to say:

" 'Touch me not,' I am on my way

To keep a tryst with Liberty."

Oh, God of Battles, hold them sure

And safe, and keep them pure;

Encompass them in their crucial hour

With thy unchanging might and power;

Grant that their way be straight and plain;

And bring them, Lord, to us again.

Maud Baggarley.