Poems (Jordan)/Decoration Day
For works with similar titles, see Decoration Day.
DECORATION DAY
Now, God be thanked, the crimson hand of WarHas robbed our flag of not one shining star,Nor of its stripes a solitary bar,And clasped the two hands of the Nation are,In fellowship which bears no wound—or scar!
Baptized at the hard font of strife, wherein the bloodOf North and South was mingled Then, the Nation NowComes forth acknowledging the blessed brotherhoodOf loyal hearts—each to his own conviction true,Whether beneath the Gray they beat, or 'neath the Blue!No stain is there upon the Flag which o'er us waves,Although 'tis planted deep in interlocking graves,With the same memories for each we now bestowThe thornless flowers of their Country's gratitude!