Classic and Contemporary Poetry
YORK OF TENNESSEE, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poet's Biography First Line: They say his rifle, ringing Last Line: Bold york of tennessee! Alternate Author Name(s): Dean Subject(s): Courage; Soldiers; Tennessee; York, Alvin Cullum (1887-1964); Valor; Bravery | ||||||||
THEY say his rifle, ringing Along the valley's crest, Made the deer spring to its covert, The turkey steal to its nest, And the eagle turn to the Border Where the Smoky Mountains be, Safe from the matchless hunter Bold York of Tennessee. Yet, when above Wolf River The Sabbath morns shone fair, And to the church the country folk Had come for song and prayer, Who led the hymns with voice now low, Now rising full and free? Who but the Second Elder Brave York of Tennessee? Then the World War! Then Liberty Wild-eyed, with frantic breath, Called to her sons to save her From treachery and death! Her cry woke town and hamlet, From mountain peak to lea, And heart and deed he pledged to her Bold York of Tennessee. Good-bye to home and kindred, And the girl he held so dear; Good-bye to Wolf's bright valley Where happiest falls the year; 'And can you fight?' the Colonel asked, When to the camp came he; 'That's what I'm here for,' firm replied Brave York of Tennessee. And he has sailed the ocean, And in the battle's van Has proved how like a god can be The valor of a man! The strength of the hills was in his arm When the hot fight was on, And right and left he hurled the foe That day in the Argonne And Foch, the great commander, said When glory's cross he won, 'No man, of Europe's armies Has done what you have done!' And his own country, sealing The Marshal's proud decree, Its highest meed of honor gave To York of Tennessee! Was ever such home-coming! His joyful mother there, And the dear girl who waited him, With throngs his fame to share; And lo! The Governor and his men, In militant array, Bring him the homage of the State And crown his wedding day! Ah, while the Border mountains tower, And the Forks of Wolf are three, And valor fires the heart will live Bold York of Tennessee! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...UNLESS IT WAS COURAGE by MARVIN BELL THE QUALITY OF COURAGE by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ON THE OREGON COAST; FOR WILLIAM STAFFORD by ROBERT BLY WORDS WITH WALLACE STEVENS by ROBERT BLY BUFFALO CLOUDS OVER THE MAESTRO HOON by NORMAN DUBIE A SONG OF COURAGE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE AUDACIOUS by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON OH, THE WATER by DORIANNE LAUX COLUMBUS DYING [MAY 20, 1506] by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR SA-CA-GA-WE-A; THE INDIAN GIRL WHO GUIDED LEWIS AND CLARK by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR |
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