INVOCATION TO THE FLAG.
Dedicated to the D. A. R.’s.
Our own dear flag, the stripes and stars,
In peace like “bird of promise” flying.
When War’s dread battles fiercely wage,
All tyranny and wrong defying.
Legions beneath its beckoning folds,
Start at the sound of bugle calling.
Eager to lift oppression’s yoke,
From fainting brothers, bravely falling.
Lead on, dear flag, our heroes true,
O’er mountain pass and wild savanna.
Till victories by their prowess won.
Ring a new nation’s glad hozanna.
Float o’er them where they bravely stand,
The bursting shell and cannon daring,
And glory wreathe their chaplets fair,
Who fall, another’s burden sharing.
Wave proudly on, where hastening ships
Sweep the white wave, like tempest flying.
Give freedom to the toiling slave,
Give life to Cuba’s children dying.
Shine on, bright stars, glad folds unroll
O’er far-off islands care beseeching,
Lighten old Afric’s age of night,
Give aid to Asia’s millions reaching.
On wings of dawn, where Orient smiles,
To gates of sunset, ocean laving.
Bear light and hope, while earth shall hail,
Our flag, for right and freedom waving.
June 14th, 1898.
CARRIE P. GUTHRIE.