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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE SWORD OF LAFAYETTE (INSCRIBED TO RAYMOND POINCARE), by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON Poet's Biography First Line: It was the time of our despair Last Line: The sacred sword of lafayette. Subject(s): Lafayette, Marie Joseph, Marquis De; World War I; First World War | |||
IT was the time of our despair, When lion-hearted Washington -- That man of patience and of prayer -- Looked sadly at each rising sun. In all the freedom-breeding air, Of hope and rescue there was none. When lo! -- as down from Heaven let, There came the sword of Lafayette! Our harbors -- how they danced with light! Our tireless bells -- how they did ring! Again we girded up to fight Not England, but her Prussian king. For here was succor, and the might Of one great soul's imagining . . . What wonder if our eyes be wet To see the sword of Lafayette! Upon the walls where Justice keeps The swords she doth most gladly save, Not one of all so deeply sleeps Within the scabbard's honored grave But, listening for her call, it leaps, To live again among the brave. Thank Heaven our naked blade is set Beside the sword of Lafayette! Not his, not ours, the brutal strife, The vulgar greed of soil or dross; The feet that follow drum and fife Shall tread to nobler gain or loss. 'T is for the holiness of life The Spirit calls us to the Cross. Forget us, God, if we forget The sacred sword of Lafayette. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...D'ANNUNZIO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY 1915: THE TRENCHES by CONRAD AIKEN TO OUR PRESIDENT by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE HORSES by KATHARINE LEE BATES CHILDREN OF THE WAR by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE U-BOAT CREWS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE RED CROSS NURSE by KATHARINE LEE BATES WAR PROFITS by KATHARINE LEE BATES THE UNCHANGEABLE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN AN ENGLISH MOTHER by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON |
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