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 @3my@1 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. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: J. MILTON MILES by EDGAR LEE MASTERS ERASMUS by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON ODE: THE MEDITERRANEAN by GEORGE SANTAYANA THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD: PASTORAL 3. THE HAPPY COUNTRYMAN by NICHOLAS BRETON THE WAYS OF TIME by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES BEFORE SEDAN by HENRY AUSTIN DOBSON |