Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MATCHLESS FLAG, by JOSEPH FULFORD FOLSOM


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MATCHLESS FLAG, by                    
First Line: The flag that ripples on the breeze
Last Line: To publish liberty afar.
Subject(s): Flags - United States; Patriotism; American Flag


The flag that ripples on the breeze,
With melting stripe and trembling star,
No foeman's hand shall basely seize,
Nor traitor's blade its beauty mar.

Our lives in its defense we pledge
With love that ever thrills and thrills,
To guard it at the rampart's edge,
And keep it waving on the hills.

We hail it when the morning breaks,
And cheer it through the azure day;
The kindling hope its sight awakes
Not even death shall snatch away.

The starry field shall light the world,
The lines run out to all mankind,
That where the colors be unfurl'd.
The brave and free may refuge find.

Then ripple, ripple in the blue,
Bright ensign of a sovereign race,
High God with swelling hearts we sue
To guard with us thy matchless place!

The flag that ripples on the breeze,
With melting stripe and trembling star,
Shall yet invade a thousand seas
To publish liberty afar.





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