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PATRIOTIC PIECES
Between them, through a mist of years, in soldier buff or blue,
Brave comrades from a thousand fields watch now in proud review;
The same old Flag—the same old Faith—the Freedom of the World—
Spells duty in those flapping folds above long ranks unfurled.
Strong are the hearts which bear along Democracy's advance,
As your dear lad, and my dear lad, go on their way to France.
The word rings out; a million feet tramp forward on the road,
Along that path of sacrifice, o'er which their fathers strode.
With eager eyes and cheeks aflame, with cheers on smiling lips,
These fightng men of '17 move onward to their ships.
Nor even love may hold them back, or halt that stern advance,
As your dear lad, and my dear lad, go on their way to France.
