Harp of the west! that long hath silent hung, Attune thy notes to strain as yet unsung! The page historic now will be our theme; The war's dread clamor and the battle's gleam. Of him we sing -- the worthy volunteer, That meets the foe, devoid of every fear. Of her we sing -- that saw her country's cause Above all else, while true to nature's laws. We sing the charging host, the dying groan; The tears of sorrow and the distant moan. We sing the captive, firm in prison hold; The fearless maid's adventures manifold: The lost one found in hostile land afar; The happy union in the storm of war; The safe return from every danger free, To join the choral shout of victory. Attractive theme! Auspicious Muse, prolong The flowing verse! Inspire a worthy song! The lines may then beguile the weary hour; The stanzas lend a charm to lonely bower: The lyre may soothe our sorrows o'er the grave; The Muse may add a laurel to the brave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TRANSFORMATION by CARL SANDBURG WATERS OF BABYLON by LOUIS UNTERMEYER SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: LUCINDA MATLOCK by EDGAR LEE MASTERS RIDDLE: A BLACKSMITH by MOTHER GOOSE ODE TO MASTER ANTHONY STAFFORD [TO HASTEN HIM INTO COUNTRY] by THOMAS RANDOLPH |