Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A TOAST TO OUR NATIVE LAND, by ROBERT BRIDGES (1858-1941)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A TOAST TO OUR NATIVE LAND, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: Huge and alert, irascible yet strong
Last Line: Drink to our native land! God bless the state!
Alternate Author Name(s): Droch
Subject(s): Patriotism; United States; America


HUGE and alert, irascible yet strong,
We make our fitful way 'mid right and wrong.
One time we pour out millions to be free,
Then rashly sweep an empire from the sea!
One time we strike the shackles from the slaves,
And then, quiescent, we are ruled by knaves.
Often we rudely break restraining bars,
And confidently reach out toward the stars.

Yet under all there flows a hidden stream
Sprung from the Rock of Freedom, the great dream
Of Washington and Franklin, men of old
Who knew that freedom is not bought with gold.
This is the Land we love, our heritage,
Strange mixture of the gross and fine, yet sage
And full of promise, -- destined to be great.
Drink to Our Native Land! God Bless the State!





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