Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEFEAT AND VICTORY, by WALLACE RICE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEFEAT AND VICTORY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Through the clangor of cannon
Last Line: Don't give up the ship!
Alternate Author Name(s): Groot, Cecil De
Subject(s): Chesapeake (ship); Lawrence, James (1781-1813); Sea Battles; War Of 1812; Naval Warfare


THROUGH the clangor of the cannon,
Through the combat's wreck and reek,
Answer to th' o'ermastering Shannon
Thunders from the Chesapeake:
Gallant Lawrence, wounded, dying,
Speaks with still unconquered lip
Ere the bitter draught he drinks:
Keep the Flag flying!
Fight her till she strikes or sinks!
Don't give up the ship!

Still that voice is sounding o'er us,
So bold Perry heard it call;
Farragut has joined its chorus;
Porter, Dewey, Wainwright -- all
Heard the voice of duty crying;
Deathless word from dauntless lip
That our past and future links:
Keep the Flag flying!
Fight her till she strikes or sinks!
Don't give up the ship!





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