FROM mountain homes engirdled By shadowy gloom of pines, From hamlets whence the fisher's boat Sets sail o'er stormful seas to float; From darkling depth of mines, A host come forth to cast their vote, A host in marshalled lines. Clear-eyed, strong-limbed, and sturdy, These honest sons of toil,— They hold the ballot like a prayer, Uplifted through the fateful air, That none our land may spoil. In their young manhood everywhere They rise to guard the soil. From cloistered halls of study, From class-room and debate, With chastened look and mien severe, Another army draweth near, In patriot hope elate,— The vote they drop, a pledge sincere To love and serve the State. Up from the busy cities, From many a thronging street, Come reinforcements brave and strong; And, like the rhythm of a song, I hear their marching feet,— To aid the weak, to right the wrong, Nor meanly to retreat. God bless the pure endeavor, God guide the earnest thought; God lead these youthful columns on, Where only Freedom's fights are won, And Freedom's glory sought,— Where Truth's light-bringers forward run, And Truth's brave deeds are wrought. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 12. A RENUNCIATION by THOMAS CAMPION WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME by PATRICK SARSFIELD GILMORE ESCAPE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON NEW ENGLAND'S DEAD! by ISAAC MCLELLAN JR. BEDOUIN [LOVE] SONG by BAYARD TAYLOR A DREAM, OR THE TYPE OF THE RISING SUN by JEAN ADAMS A WATER MILL by ANTIPATER OF THESSALONICA |