Poems (Jordan)/Decoration Day
For works with similar titles, see Decoration Day.
DECORATION DAY
Now, God be thanked, the crimson hand of War
Has robbed our flag of not one shining star,
Nor of its stripes a solitary bar,
And clasped the two hands of the Nation are,
In fellowship which bears no wound—or scar!
Has robbed our flag of not one shining star,
Nor of its stripes a solitary bar,
And clasped the two hands of the Nation are,
In fellowship which bears no wound—or scar!
Baptized at the hard font of strife, wherein the blood
Of North and South was mingled Then, the Nation Now
Comes forth acknowledging the blessed brotherhood
Of loyal hearts—each to his own conviction true,
Whether beneath the Gray they beat, or 'neath the Blue!
No stain is there upon the Flag which o'er us waves,
Although 'tis planted deep in interlocking graves,
With the same memories for each we now bestow
The thornless flowers of their Country's gratitude!
Of North and South was mingled Then, the Nation Now
Comes forth acknowledging the blessed brotherhood
Of loyal hearts—each to his own conviction true,
Whether beneath the Gray they beat, or 'neath the Blue!
No stain is there upon the Flag which o'er us waves,
Although 'tis planted deep in interlocking graves,
With the same memories for each we now bestow
The thornless flowers of their Country's gratitude!