 | Poems of home and country |  |
DECORATION DAY.
Strew the fair garlands where slumber the dead;
Ring out the strains, like the swell of the sea,—
Heartfelt the tribute we lay on each bed.
Sound o'er the brave the refrain of the free;
Sound the refrain of the loyal and free;
Visit each sleeper and hallow each bed;—
Waves the starred banner from sea-coast to sea,—
Grateful the living, and honored the dead.
Ring out the strains, like the swell of the sea,—
Heartfelt the tribute we lay on each bed.
Sound o'er the brave the refrain of the free;
Sound the refrain of the loyal and free;
Visit each sleeper and hallow each bed;—
Waves the starred banner from sea-coast to sea,—
Grateful the living, and honored the dead.
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Dear to each heart are the names of the brave;
Resting in glory, how sweetly they sleep;
Dewdrops at evening fall soft on each grave,
Kindred and strangers bend fondly to weep,—
Kindred bend fondly and drooping eyes weep
Tears of affection o'er every green grave;
Fresh are their laurels and peaceful their sleep;
Love still shall cherish the noble and brave.
Resting in glory, how sweetly they sleep;
Dewdrops at evening fall soft on each grave,
Kindred and strangers bend fondly to weep,—
Kindred bend fondly and drooping eyes weep
Tears of affection o'er every green grave;
Fresh are their laurels and peaceful their sleep;
Love still shall cherish the noble and brave.
Peace o'er this land, o'er these homes of the free,
Brood evermore with her sheltering wing.
God of the nation, our trust is in Thee;
God, our Protector, our Guide, and our King,
God, our Protector, our Guide, and our King,
Thou art our refuge, our hope is in Thee;
Strong in Thy blessing, and safe 'neath Thy wing,
Peace shall encircle these homes of the free.
Brood evermore with her sheltering wing.
God of the nation, our trust is in Thee;
God, our Protector, our Guide, and our King,
God, our Protector, our Guide, and our King,
Thou art our refuge, our hope is in Thee;
Strong in Thy blessing, and safe 'neath Thy wing,
Peace shall encircle these homes of the free.
| Poems of home and country | |