The Coastwatchers

These names, this sleepless monument, declare To the blind world —unlearning and unled — That, dedicated, men transcend despair, Though lost between the living and the dead.

Transcend despair! For, though each knew what fate Awaited, yet the narrow road was taken, To gain once more some respite for that state Which we enjoy, though they now He forsaken.

Forgetting and forgot, they dwell secure, Secret companions of our memory.

But, through oblivion, they will still endure As long as men seek out sure mastery Of self and circumstance, and can aspire To something past the uncreating strife Of ever-fading dreams and dumb desire ; Then will they be at rest in restless life And , one at last beyond the sun and sea, Maintain eternal watch for things to be.

R. A. Swan.