For centuries, America, you lay, A virgin continent dreaming in the sun -- The patient ages all their labor done Against the dawn of that predestined day When Pilgrim Fathers were to sail away From hostile shores -- their journeying begun With questing hearts foretelling victories won In some far land where they might work and pray. At last through wintry ocean-wastes they came And conquered, year by year, relentless foes. Though hardships undermined the dauntless few, They worshipped, labored, died in Freedom's name That followers might seek the land @3they chose@1 And find a friend, America, in you. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LIFE [AND DEATH] by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD TO THE AUTHOR OF 'THE ROBBERS' (SCHILLER) by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE BRIDGE BUILDER by WILL ALLEN DROMGOOLE SATIRES OF CIRCUMSTANCE: 1. AT TEA by THOMAS HARDY ON MUSIC by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR THE COURTSHIP OF MILES STANDISH by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE SCRUTINY; SONG by RICHARD LOVELACE |