FLAG-RAISING
Reading edition
No longer as an ornament, Adoring festive places, The flag is to the masthead sent, Before uplifted faces,— No longer as a children’s play We fling it to the breezes, With thoughtless praise on gala-days, When each acts as he pleases. But like a sacramental act Its raising is attended, When loyal hearts behold a pact In colors sweetly blended,— When men, responsive to its call, Make grim determination, That tyranny at last must fall Before a freeborn nation. And as it waves above their heads, ’Tis like a benediction Which sacredness and glory sheds On men of just conscription,— They stand aloof, they seem apart, Like heroes consecrated, So true and brave, so strong of heart To freedom dedicated. October, 1917