No longer as an ornament,
Adoring festive places,
The flag is to the masthead sent,
Before uplifted faces,--
No longer as a children’s play
We fling it to the breezes,
With thoughtless praise on gala-days,
When each acts as he pleases.
But like a sacramental act
Its raising is attended,
When loyal hearts behold a pact
In colors sweetly blended,--
When men, responsive to its call,
Make grim determination,
That tyranny at last must fall
Before a freeborn nation.
And as it waves above their heads,
’Tis like a benediction
Which sacredness and glory sheds
On men of just conscription,--
They stand aloof, they seem apart,
Like heroes consecrated,
So true and brave, so strong of heart
To freedom dedicated.
October, 1917