ginacherry

For some particular reason I am feeling incredibly patriotic and incredibly sad. Perhaps it is becuase I was watching the DNC earlier and I was thinking about how lucky I am to be an American. How lucky I feel to have the luxury to not have someone I love in harm's way in the war. And, for a day, I can put away the self serving bullshit I spew here to acknowledge those who have served their country. Though dated, I love this poem and it is still relevant. PEACE

Concord Hymn
by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sung at the Completion of the Concord Monument, April 19th, 1836

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.

The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream that seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set today a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.

Spirit, that made those heroes dare
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.