Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE WASP AND THE HORNET, by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The two proud sisters of the sea Last Line: The paths they swept of old! Subject(s): Hornet (ship); Navy - United States; Wasp (ship); American Navy | ||||||||
THE two proud sisters of the sea, In glory and in doom! -- Well may the eternal waters be Their broad, unsculptured tomb! The wind that rings along the wave, The clear, unshadowed sun, Are torch and trumpet o'er the brave, Whose last green wreath is won! No stranger-hand their banners furled, No victor's shout they heard; Unseen, above them ocean curled, Safe by his own pale bird; The gnashing billows heaved and fell; Wild shrieked the midnight gale; Far, far beneath the morning swell Were pennon, spar, and sail. The land of Freedom! Sea and shore Are guarded now, as when Her ebbing waves to victory bore Fair barks and gallant men; Oh, many a ship of prouder name May wave her starry fold, Nor trail, with deeper light of fame, The paths they swept of old! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...READING MY POEMS FROM WORLD WAR II by WILLIAM MEREDITH WHEN THE GREAT GRAY SHIPS COME IN [AUGUST 20, 1898] by GUY WETMORE CARRYL TOM BOWLING ['S EPITAPH] by CHARLES DIBDIN HOW WE BURNED THE 'PHILADELPHIA' by BARRETT EASTMAN BARNEY'S INVITATION by PHILIP FRENEAU ON THE MEMORABLE VICTORY OF PAUL JONES by PHILIP FRENEAU THE YANKEE PRIVATEER by ARTHUR HALE OLD IRONSIDES by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES THE BATTLE OF THE KEGS by FRANCIS HOPKINSON A BALLAD OF THE BOSTON TEA-PARTY [DECEMBER 16, 1773] by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES |
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