Sarah Collins Fernandis, "The Troopers at Carrizal" (1916)
OVER the sun-baked wastes of Mexico,
Upon a hot trail, rode the trooper band,
Not questioning, when they had heard command
To reach their country's ruthless bandit foe.
Following a treacherous truce to ambush dire,
Sensing too late their peril, yet the while
Fighting their hopeless fight with song and smile,
They faced the machine gun's dreadful fire.
O brave black soldiers, ye have laid your toll
Upon the altar of war's flaming hate!
Vain sacrifice to god insatiate!
We pass your names to history's honor roll.
Yet, with a prayer: O, gracious Prince of Peace
Weld Thou the bands of human brotherhood;
Make Thy name's meaning clearer understood
Till war and strife o'er all the earth shall cease.
Published in Southern Workman, August 1916