Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GREEN GRENADIERS by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE

First Line: IF YOUR SPORTING BLOOD IS ROYAL YOU WON'T CURSE ME IF / I'M LOYAL
Last Line: FOR MY HEART IS WITH THE BIG GREEN GRENADIERS.
Subject(s): FOOTBALL; SPORTS; UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES;

IF your sporting blood is royal you won't curse me if I'm loyal,
If I give one side my sympathies and cheers,
You have privileges as equal, these remarks have just this sequel —
I'm a rooter for the Green's own Grenadiers.

You may have another story that is writ in crimson glory,
Of a college that has nursed your youthful years;
Give her then your fiercest spirit and the outcome never fear it,
But my heart is with the Green's own Grenadiers.

For what boots a football battle and the crowd's incessant rattle,
If it quickens not your deepest hopes and fears?
You of Harvard's great endeavor, join and cheer her sons forever,
I shall cheer my heart out for my Grenadiers.

And if victory refuses, — if the Green's the team that loses —
Grief I'll have, but never grief of tears,
I will give old Harvard credit, but my heart she'll never wed it,
For my heart is with the big Green Grenadiers.



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