The following was penned against the backdrop of fall and spring reunion weekends at West Point when returning members of the Long Gray Line venture out in the early morning hours onto the Plain and Trophy Point before the Alumni Review, and in that time remember…
In Their Eyes
Richard B. Adams, USMA 1967
Ere cloaking Hudson mist gave birth to pensive early dawn
And warming sun imbued the day with color’s magic wand
Some walked the quiet of that time recalling what had been
When younger then, they too were called, a country to defend
So much the same, the sight and sound and scent upon the wind
Roused memory of former times, sweet chapters deep within
When first the Corps assembled there uncertain what to be
Til men of worth and men of faith saw clear its destiny
Three hallowed words would cross their lips, a motto ever be
The first was DUTY, selfless love, to serve a nation free
Then HONOR next, a guarding shield against the tempter’s sting
And COUNTRY followed, sacred trust, of which they’d often sing
The river’s might, the circling hills, beneath God’s brilliant arch
Called forth to mind those harried times when they, too, formed to march
When shoes and brass were made to shine and belts the purest white
Were donned on black trimmed coats of gray, beneath a dress hat bright
Behind them lay so much of life since first they wore the gray
When light their step and clear their eye, they savored each new day
Those happy times of West Point years, when bonds for life were made
Til oaths were sworn and forth they went their mettle to be weighed
Still on they walk on legs grown old, with eyes that strain to see
But gaining strength with every step infused by history
By classmates gone whose deeds on earth live on in mind and heart
Remembered friends in marbled stone who bravely did their part
What’s that they hear upon the Plain, but sound of fife and drum
As turn they all to join a class whose time to march has come
And march they do with heads held high before the grateful throng
And with them wait for freedom’s band to call the new guard on
The granite walls release their hold and free the waiting Corps
Young men and women marching forth to martial music score
They pass the Line, their span of years, as eyes look right to see
And in their eyes catch full a glimpse of who they’ll one day be
All sense a spirit in the air, a bond across the stage
As eyes grow moist and hearts beat fast uniting all in age
The young march off and leave the plain, the stirring music dies
But those who stay, inspired so, renew their lifelong ties
God grant them mercy in your will, the Black and Gold and Gray
To find a servant’s resting place when comes the final day
With family, friends, The Long Gray Line, eternity to share
Immortal life by heaven’s grace with all who gather there
