No New Thing
by Homer Hoch
There is no new thing to be said of Lincoln.
There is no new thing to be said of the mountains, or of the sea, or of the stars. The years
go their way, but the same old mountains lift
their granite shoulders above the drifting
clouds, and the same mysterious sea beats
upon the shore, and the same silent stars
keep holy vigil above a tired world. But to
mountain and sea and star, men turn forever
in unwearied homage.
And thus with Lincoln. For he was mountain in grandeur of spirit, he was sea in
under-voice of mystic loneliness, he was star
in steadfast purity of purpose and of service.
And he, too, abides forever.
The years go their way, but with the name
of Lincoln childhood still learns to voice a
patriot's devotion, and with the name of Lincoln tears are called from old men's eyes.
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