Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, YORK OF TENNESSEE, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YORK OF TENNESSEE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: They say his rifle, ringing
Last Line: Bold york of tennessee!
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Courage; Soldiers; Tennessee; York, Alvin Cullum (1887-1964); Valor; Bravery


THEY say his rifle, ringing
Along the valley's crest,
Made the deer spring to its covert,
The turkey steal to its nest,
And the eagle turn to the Border
Where the Smoky Mountains be,
Safe from the matchless hunter —
Bold York of Tennessee.

Yet, when above Wolf River
The Sabbath morns shone fair,
And to the church the country folk
Had come for song and prayer,
Who led the hymns with voice now low,
Now rising full and free?
Who but the Second Elder —
Brave York of Tennessee?

Then the World War! Then Liberty
Wild-eyed, with frantic breath,
Called to her sons to save her
From treachery and death!
Her cry woke town and hamlet,
From mountain peak to lea,
And heart and deed he pledged to her —
Bold York of Tennessee.

Good-bye to home and kindred,
And the girl he held so dear;
Good-bye to Wolf's bright valley
Where happiest falls the year;
'And can you fight?' the Colonel asked,
When to the camp came he;
'That's what I'm here for,' firm replied
Brave York of Tennessee.

And he has sailed the ocean,
And in the battle's van
Has proved how like a god can be
The valor of a man!
The strength of the hills was in his arm
When the hot fight was on,
And right and left he hurled the foe
That day in the Argonne —

And Foch, the great commander, said
When glory's cross he won,
'No man, of Europe's armies
Has done what you have done!'
And his own country, sealing
The Marshal's proud decree,
Its highest meed of honor gave
To York of Tennessee!

Was ever such home-coming!
His joyful mother there,
And the dear girl who waited him,
With throngs his fame to share;
And lo! The Governor and his men,
In militant array,
Bring him the homage of the State
And crown his wedding day!
Ah, while the Border mountains tower,
And the Forks of Wolf are three,
And valor fires the heart — will live
Bold York of Tennessee!





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