Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CEDAR MOUNTAIN [AUGUST 9, 1862], by ANNIE (ADAMS) FIELDS First Line: Ring the bells, nor ring them slowly Last Line: These lives that now we dedicate. Subject(s): American Civil War; Cedar Mountain, Battle Of (1862); United States - History | ||||||||
RING the bells, nor ring them slowly; Toll them not, -- the day is holy! Golden-flooded noon is poured In grand libation to the Lord. No mourning mothers come to-day Whose hopeless eyes forget to pray: They each hold high the o'erflowing urn, And bravely to the altar turn. Ye limners of the ancient saint! To-day another virgin paint; Where with the lily once she stood Show now the new beatitude. To-day a mother crowned with pain, Of silver beauty beyond stain, Clasping a flower for our land A-sheathed in her hand. Each pointed leaf with sword-like strength, Guarding the flower throughout its length; Each sword has won a sweet release To the flower of beauty and of peace. Ring the bells, nor ring them slowly, To the Lord the day is holy; To the young dead we consecrate These lives that now we dedicate. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A VISIT TO GETTYSBURG by LUCILLE CLIFTON AFTER SPOTSYLVANIA COURT HOUSE by DAVID FERRY ACROSS THE LONG DARK BORDER by EDWARD HIRSCH WALT WHITMAN IN THE CIVIL WAR HOSPITALS by DAVID IGNATOW THE DAY OF THE DEAD SOLDIERS; MARY 30, 1869 by EMMA LAZARUS MANHATTAN, 1609 by EDWIN MARKHAM THE DECISION (APRIL 14, 1861) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE SPARROW HARK IN THE RAIN (ALEXANDER STEPHENS HEARS NEWS) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS A MEMORY OF INTERLAKEN by ANNIE (ADAMS) FIELDS BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH SYMPHONY (ANDANTE) by ANNIE (ADAMS) FIELDS |
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