The Day Was Dark

The day was dark The fires cold No shred of joy Could e're be found No song of lark Nor tales of old Not a single Cheerful sound A sudden cry Stricken, grieving, Sharply pierced The misty air Then in reply Sick with feeling More voices wail Songs of despair The sound heightened 'Till all did hear Mournfully ringing O'er creek and hill None could lighten The hopeless fear War was coming The day darkened still