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1862–1932

THE RED PATROL

Gilbert Parker

He stands in the porch of the World — ( Why should the door be shut? ) The grey wolf waits at his heel, ( Why is the window barred? )

Wild is the trail from the Kimash Hills, The blight has fallen on bush and tree, The choking earth has swallowed the streams, Hungry and cold is the Red Patrol-

( Why should the door be shut? ) The Scarlet Hunter has come to bide — ( Why is the window barred? ) He waits at the threshold stone —

( Why should the key-hole rust? ) The eagle broods at his side, ( Why should the blind be drawn? ) Long has he watched and far has he called —

The lonely sentinel of the North — “Who goes there?” to the wandering soul Heavy of heart is the Red Patrol — ( Why should the key-hole rust? )

The Scarlet Hunter is sick for home, ( Why should the blind be drawn? ) Heavy of heart is the Red Patrol — ( Why should the key-hole rust? )

The Scarlet Hunter is sick for home, ( Why should the blind be drawn? ) Hungry and cold is the Red Patrol — ( Why should the door be shut? )

The Scarlet Hunter has come to bide, ( Why is the window barred? )

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THE RED PATROL · Gilbert Parker · Poetry Cove