Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SOUSA, by JAMES HOWARD FLOWER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SOUSA, by                    
First Line: John philip sousa! Proud the name
Last Line: With wagner and gounod.
Subject(s): Marching & Marches; Music & Musicians


John Philip Sousa! proud the name,
Like a fighting gamecock's comb --
Defiantly arch
As his figure and march.
Though too often his titles foam
With militarism, his rhythmic acclaim
Never fired my military flame.
He inspired my youth to march toward Fame
Beneath Art's constructive dome!

March-Master, whom my boyish bent
Gave Music's chief command!
"El Capitan"
Once keyed the van
Against a Manilan strand --
War-dogs Imperialism sent.
But his martial strains are better blent
With steps of Peace, accompaniment
To comradeship more bland.

Piano and organ both gave vent
To Sousa, at my hand;
But the former sprinkles
Music that tinkles
Too much, for strains so grand.
Give soaring sonority ascent
By wind -- employ the preeminent
Pipe-organ, the one instrument
Empowered to be a Band.

Since dewdrop songs, with Burns to thank,
Match starry epics' glow,
"The Picador,"
"Free Lance" -- his corps
Of lyric tunes all go
To march with masters, flank to flank,
Let classic taste become more frank
And less blase. Give Sousa rank
With Wagner and Gounod.





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