Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TWO FLAGS UPON WESTMINSTER TOWERS by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON

First Line: THIS DAY IS HOLY' - SO SWEET SPENSER WROTE
Last Line: FROM THESE FREE FLAGS -- IF YOU CAN SEE FOR TEARS!
Subject(s): WORLD WAR I; FIRST WORLD WAR;

"THIS day is holy" -- so sweet Spenser wrote,
Giving to Love the world's one bridal-song.
Ah! Could he see these flags together float
Where the gray pinnacles of England throng,
What bridal-song of nations would he sing!
How Shakespeare -- through whose pageantry of State
Trumpets of Freedom and of Justice ring --
Our "true minds' marriage" now would celebrate!

My country's poets, foes of tyranny,
For great and generous England raise your voice;
Be yours the apocalypse of Liberty --
A vision that shall call us to rejoice.
Divine the omens of the glorious years
From these free flags -- if you can see for tears!



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