Poems (Kennedy)/Clancy at Vimy Ridge
CLANCY AT VIMY RIDGE
(W. C. Clancy, a Texas lad who had enlisted with the Canadians, on learning that the United States had declared war on Germany tied a flag to his bayonet and charged up Vimy Ridge with his command. He fell, wounded, but not fatally.)
THEY charged the foe up Vimy Ridge That sun-scorched day,And though the flag of France flew freeWhere all the battling hosts could see,Yet up the reddening slope of death Old Glory led the way.
A Texas lad heard our decree: "We fight with France.""Then this leads in the van," he cried,And to his bayonet's point he tiedThe Stars and Stripes, as knight of old Might wreathe his lance.
And up the slippery slope he sprang— No stay or stop,Though foeman's shells rained thick and fastAnd all of hell was in the blastAnd he was blind with wounds and blood He reached the top!
His comrades cheered; but higher yet, Above the shell-fire's glow,There watched, as from Fame's sentry post,Another band—that splendid hostThat held, on Texas' deathless day, The Alamo!
They crowded from the vast Unknown Heroes of long told story—To witness where the war gods strive,How Texas Clancy kept alive The flame of Texas' glory!