Under the Flag

Under our own flag, still we will sail her—
   Gallantly sail her, our own Ship of State;
Faiths we have lived by still shall avail her,
    Hope at her prow, wing’d, expectant, elate!

Over the deeps of a perilous ocean,
   Honor compelling, we still will sail on;
Giving, unfearing a loyal devotion,
   Until, in life—in death, danger is gone.

Deem not that we, whom our fathers before us
   Taught to love freedom and died to make free,
Coward shall fly, while the Heavens are o’er us,
   Craft of the ether or boats under sea.

There is in valor that hearkens to duty—
   Something that dearer may be than long years;
And in man’s service may be a beauty
   Higher than glory, and deeper than tears.