America Speaks

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America Speaks by Florence Earle Coates
“For what avail or plough, or sail,
Or land, or life, if freedom fail ?”[1]
from Pro Patria (1917)


We have been sleeping—dreaming. Now,
   Thank God ! we are awake !
Awake, and ready with a will
   The nobler part to take !
No more shall a pretended Peace
   Our souls from duty sever ;
We dedicate our lives to God
   And Liberty—forever !
 
We, who have looked with anguished eyes
   On things no eye should see,
Beholding all that may be wrought
   By ruthless Tyranny,
Join hands with you, devoted Lands,
   A liberated Nation
That wills to share your sacrifice,
   That knows your exaltation !
 
A lofty voice has spoken words
   That bring the world relief ;
Our Land has joined the league of Right,
   Led onward by her Chief—
Her Chief who large has writ his name
   With Lincoln’s in the story
Of that dear land which still may call
   The flag she loves, “Old Glory !”

[edit] References


PD-icon.svg This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1923.

The author died in 1927, so this work is also in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 80 years or less. This work may also be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.