THE ANSWER OF THE FLAG

Child speaks: Flag of our Country, Our red, white, and blue, Say, whence are thy colors— Each wonderful hue? Flag speaks: Deep in the sunset sky, When light was dying, Streamed crimson banners, like Wild armies flying. Where, ’twixt two bands of gray, One bar lay flaming, Leaned I and plucked it out, Mine for the claiming. Child speaks: Flag of our Country, Right well hast thou done! Thy red glows like rubies, Like heart of the sun. Flag speaks: When Summer lays her hand, Softly caressing, Over the rounded earth, Leaving her blessing, White sail the clouds above, Clear as the morning; From these I chose me one For mine adorning. Child speaks: Flag of our Country, Thy heav’n-pure white, Like crystal in sunshine, It dazzles the sight! Flag speaks: Yet there remains my blue, Jewel-besprinkled, Like to some dusky pool, Where the stars twinkled. Night doffed her misty veil When all were sleeping, Unclasped her starry crown, Gave to my keeping. Child speaks: Flag of our Country, Thy blue is more rare Than turquoise or gentian; ’Tis measureless air! Flag speaks: Child, may my brilliant hues, Chosen from heaven, Serve as thy benison, Prove as thy leaven; Flaming may be thy heart, Loving and giving, Clear as the stars thy will, Snow-white thy living!