Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A NATION ONCE AGAIN, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS Poet's Biography First Line: When boyhood's fire was in my blood Last Line: A nation once again. Subject(s): Freedom; Nationalism - Ireland; Liberty | ||||||||
I. WHEN boyhood's fire was in my blood, I read of ancient freemen, For Greece and Rome who bravely stood, THREE HUNDRED MEN AND THREE MEN. And then I prayed I yet might see Our fetters rent in twain, And Ireland, long a province, be A NATION ONCE AGAIN. II. And, from that time, through wildest woe, That hope has shone, a far light; Nor could love's brightest summer glow Outshine that solemn starlight: It seemed to watch above my head In forum, field, and fane; Its angel voice sang round my bed, "A NATION ONCE AGAIN." III. It whispered, too, that "freedom's ark And service high and holy, Would be profaned by feelings dark And passions vain or lowly: For freedom comes from God's right hand, And needs a godly train; And righteous men must make our land A NATION ONCE AGAIN." IV. So, as I grew from boy o man, I bent me to that bidding -- My spirit of each selfish plan And cruel passion ridding; For, thus I hoped some day to aid -- Oh! can such hope be vain? -- When my dear country shall be made A NATION ONCE AGAIN. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS AFTER TENNYSON by AMBROSE BIERCE QUARTET IN F MAJOR by WILLIAM MEREDITH CROSS THAT LINE by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE EMANCIPATION by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER CLARE'S DRAGOONS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS FONTENOY by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS LAMENT FOR THE DEATH OF EOGHAN RUADH (OWEN ROE) O'NEIL by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS |
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