Poems (Ford)/Our Flag

For works with similar titles, see Our Flag.

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OUR FLAG.
Fair banner of a mighty land, Thy starry rays sublimeBurst forth like Freedom's beacon-lights Upon the shore of, time,And long with clear and steady blaze Have kept their cloudless way,Unmindful of the changing years, And fearless of decay.
Thy radiant folds waved proudly where, 'Mid war's terrific flood,Our infant Nation sprang to life, Baptized in heroes' blood; ​Where sturdy arms and patriot hearts Cast off the galling bandOf despot power, that serpent-like Coiled round this favored land.
Thy stars have gleamed o'er war's red tide; 'Mid smoke and cannons' roarThy crimson stripes were dyed anew In many a brave heart's gore,While guarding, as a sacred trust From the Almighty hand,The cradle of young Liberty, Rocked 'mid our forests grand.
And now, though clouds are gathering Above thy glorious blue,And some bright stars, with fading ray, Are sinking from our view,To wander in a trackless maze Of fearful storm and night,The tempest will but serve to make The others shine more bright.
The Nation's mighty heart is stirred As with a sudden pain;Her bravest and her best go forth To shield her flag from stain,—To see its stars, bright as of yore, Shine over field and flood, ​Or quench their light on Freedom's tomb In the last freeman's blood.
When History's muse essays with tears, In some succeeding age,To wash the fratricidal blood From off the crimson pageThat stains the annals of our land, Above her brow shall waveThe star-gemmed banner—then, as now, Flag of the free and brave.
Oh, soon may peace, on angel-wings, Be wafted to our shore;Then all our stars, with purer light, And brighter than before,One glorious constellation yet In harmony shall shine,Encircled by the Orion-band That brother-love must twine.
Great Ruler of the Universe, Before Thy throne we pray,Bestow on us that holy peace Earth can not take away.Long may our beauteous banner wave,— Long may our fair land beThe refuge of the wanderer, The homestead of the free.
1861.
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