'Twas not in the way he'd hoped for, Oh, no, not this did he crave That his country's love and reverence Should only be shown at his grave. That her people then should call him Loyal-hearted and true, Faithful to his country, To her banner of "red, white and blue." He had hoped through heroic daring To reach the heights of glory, When with honors immaculate his name Would live in his country's story. His name will live while our country lives, For who would dare gainsay That he proved to the world his sterling worth -- In that fight at Cardenas Bay. Yes, he has reached the heights of fame, And in our hearts to-day We hold for him a reverence That will remain true for aye. For 'twas no common thing to be The hero of a battle; To die as he died at the front, 'Mid cannon's roar and rattle. Nor was it any common thing His gallantry to prove, No easy, common thing to win A nation's praise and love. But it is his, the nation's praise, But not with shouts and cheers Does she applaud his name to-day; -- She mourns his loss with tears. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SNUG LITTLE ISLAND by THOMAS FROGNALL DIBDIN THE HERO OF VIMY; AN INCIDENT OF THE GREAT WAR by BRENT DOW ALLINSON TOM JONES by JAMES HAY BEATTIE ANNIVERSARIUM BAPTISMI (3) by JOSEPH BEAUMONT NATALIA'S RESURRECTION: 11 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT HOMUNCULUS IN PENUMBRA by GORDON BOTTOMLEY |