Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CASTING THE FIRST VOTE, by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER Poet's Biography First Line: From mountain homes engirdled Last Line: And truth's brave deeds are wrought. Alternate Author Name(s): Van Deth, Gerrit, Mrs. Subject(s): Freedom; Marching & Marches; Patriotism; War; Youth; Liberty | ||||||||
FROM mountain homes engirdled By shadowy gloom of pines, From hamlets whence the fisher's boat Sets sail o'er stormful seas to float; From darkling depth of mines, A host come forth to cast their vote, A host in marshalled lines. Clear-eyed, strong-limbed, and sturdy, These honest sons of toil, They hold the ballot like a prayer, Uplifted through the fateful air, That none our land may spoil. In their young manhood everywhere They rise to guard the soil. From cloistered halls of study, From class-room and debate, With chastened look and mien severe, Another army draweth near, In patriot hope elate, The vote they drop, a pledge sincere To love and serve the State. Up from the busy cities, From many a thronging street, Come reinforcements brave and strong; And, like the rhythm of a song, I hear their marching feet, To aid the weak, to right the wrong, Nor meanly to retreat. God bless the pure endeavor, God guide the earnest thought; God lead these youthful columns on, Where only Freedom's fights are won, And Freedom's glory sought, Where Truth's light-bringers forward run, And Truth's brave deeds are wrought. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS AFTER TENNYSON by AMBROSE BIERCE QUARTET IN F MAJOR by WILLIAM MEREDITH CROSS THAT LINE by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE EMANCIPATION by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER ARE THE CHILDREN AT HOME? by MARGARET ELIZABETH MUNSON SANGSTER |
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