A hero they would follow. Beholding him I see no granite figure, But face a man who fought to save his country, Whose heart was pierced when wife, and child and mother Clung to him closely in that tearful parting. Yet brave he marched away while flags were fluttering, Though in his soul he knew that never, never, Might he again see those he loved so dearly, Nor look again upon the old white steeple, Upon the little streets and shabby buildings Straggling unevenly toward the Common; Or if he came back, he'd be maimed and battered, Subject to hateful pity. Therefore I smile not at the queer, gaunt figure, The tilted cap—the wide and baggy trousers, The long loose overcoat, the dangling knapsack, This is the man who fought to save our country! Who, in his millions, marched from every village, From every city of our mighty Nation; Who heard the drums and trumpets blithely playing—[4] "Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching." So there it stands—thank-offering of a people— Whether of rough-hewn stone, or bronze, or marble— Proving our debt to those who saved the Union, Pointing the way for those who'd like to follow— Who to the death would fight were we in peril— The Soldier's Monument! [4] YOUR COUNTRY AND MINE YOUR COUNTRY AND MINE Sing of America, sing of our Country! Land of two oceans, of palm-tree and pine! Firm as the rock of her towering mountains, Free as her rivers from Heaven-born fountains, Unafraid as her eagle,—as true to the line; Sing of our Country,—your Country and mine! Sing of America,—self-governed Country! Dear Land, thou to tyranny never wilt bow; Ever with thee the oppressed have had haven; While Freedom droops, thy true sons are not craven; Look! They are fighting to honor thee now, With Victory and Peace to bejewel thy brow. Sing of America,—loving humanity! "Avenge ye the slaughtered!" Heed ye her decree; Ye who have reaped of the father's brave sowing, High hold your flag when the war winds are blowing! Safe for all men keep the path of the sea; Secure in their rights help small Nations to be. Fight for America, noble America! Liberty, Justice, and Truth—the divine,— Carrying onward,—her lamp proudly burning— Craving no empire, intrigue ever spurning, Over the Earth shall her beacon-light shine! Fight for our Country, your Country and mine! Land of two oceans, of palm-tree and pine! Firm as the rock of her towering mountains, Free as her rivers from Heaven-born fountains,
Prev.
Back
Top