'Union and Liberty' by Oliver Wendell Holmes
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FLAG of the heroes who left us their glory,
Borne through their battle-fields' thunder and flame,
Blazoned in song and illumined in story,
Wave o'er us all who inherit their fame!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Light of our firmament, guide of our Nation,
Pride of her children, and honored afar,
Let the wide beams of thy full constellation
Scatter each cloud that would darken a star!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Empire unsceptred! what foe shall assail thee,
Bearing the standard of Liberty's van?
Think not the God of thy fathers shall fail thee,
Striving with men for the birthright of man!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Yet if, by madness and treachery blighted,
Dawns the dark hour when the sword thou must draw,
Then with the arms of thy millions united,
Smite the bold traitors to Freedom and Law!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Lord of the Universe! shield us and guide us,
Trusting Thee always, through shadow and sun!
Thou hast united us, who shall divide us?
Keep us, oh keep us the MANY IN ONE!
Up with our banner bright,
Sprinkled with starry light,
Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore,
While through the sounding sky
Loud rings the Nation's cry,
UNION AND LIBERTY! ONE EVERMORE!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Oliver Wendell Holmes' Union and Liberty: An Exploration of American Identity and Unity
Oliver Wendell Holmes' "Union and Liberty" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of American identity and unity. Written during the Civil War, the poem speaks to the fundamental values that bind Americans together, even in times of great turmoil and division. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful rhetoric, and deep philosophical insight, "Union and Liberty" reflects Holmes' vision for a united and free America.
Historical Context
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the historical context in which it was written. The Civil War was raging across the United States, tearing families and communities apart as the country struggled to define itself. At the heart of the conflict was the question of what it meant to be an American. Was it a collection of independent states, each with its own laws and traditions? Or was it a single nation, united by a common set of values and aspirations?
For Holmes, the answer was clear: America was a nation, not a confederation of states. In "Union and Liberty," he celebrates the unity and diversity that define the American identity, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with maintaining a cohesive nation.
Analysis
The poem is divided into three distinct sections, each of which explores a different aspect of American identity and unity. In the first section, Holmes sets the stage by describing the natural beauty of the American landscape. He uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of a vast, majestic country, rich in resources and opportunity.
"Ay, call it holy ground, The soil where first they trod. They left unstained what there they found, Freedom to worship God."
Here, Holmes is emphasizing the importance of religious freedom to the American identity. He sees the United States as a place where people of all faiths can come together and worship in peace. This is a powerful message, particularly at a time when the country was deeply divided over issues of religion and morality.
In the second section of the poem, Holmes turns his attention to the history of the United States. He describes the trials and triumphs of the American people, from the early settlers to the heroes of the Revolutionary War.
"Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world."
This famous line refers to the Battle of Lexington and Concord, which marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. By invoking this iconic moment in American history, Holmes is reminding his readers of the sacrifices that were made to secure their freedom.
In the third and final section of the poem, Holmes reflects on the challenges that the United States faces as a nation. He acknowledges the divisions that exist within the country, but also emphasizes the importance of coming together as a united people.
"O sharp the dog-rose blows, The fire is dead and gone; The sun-brown clod is fine to till, But friendship's in the sod!"
This final stanza is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that the true strength of the United States lies not in its military might or economic power, but in the bonds of friendship and community that unite its people.
Interpretation
At its core, "Union and Liberty" is a poem about American identity and unity. It celebrates the country's diversity and natural beauty, while also acknowledging the challenges that come with maintaining a cohesive nation. For Holmes, the key to overcoming these challenges is to embrace the values that define the American identity: freedom, democracy, and community.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the poem is its relevance to modern-day America. Despite being written over 150 years ago, "Union and Liberty" remains a powerful reminder of the importance of unity in times of crisis. As the country continues to grapple with issues of race, religion, and political polarization, Holmes' words offer a beacon of hope and a call to action.
In conclusion, "Union and Liberty" is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the heart of the American identity. Through its use of vivid imagery, powerful rhetoric, and deep philosophical insight, the poem reminds us of the values that bind us together as a nation. It is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, and a tribute to the men and women who have fought and died to secure our freedom.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and even change the world. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Union and Liberty" by Oliver Wendell Holmes. This classic poem was written during a time of great turmoil in American history, and it speaks to the importance of unity and freedom.
The poem begins with the line, "A breath of our inspiration, how high soever we soar, / Is never too high for thee, / O be thou our unquenchable star." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it speaks to the idea of inspiration and the importance of having a guiding star to follow. The speaker is addressing the United States, and he is asking for guidance and inspiration in the face of adversity.
The next few lines of the poem speak to the idea of unity. The speaker says, "Thou, who art bearing us onward, / Right through the heart of the storm, / Lead us, thy chosen and dauntless, / Out of this sorrowful swarm." Here, the speaker is asking for the United States to lead its people through the storm of the Civil War. He is asking for unity and strength in the face of adversity.
The poem then takes a turn towards the idea of freedom. The speaker says, "Strike, thou the master, we will not be slaves! / Strike, for the green graves of your sires, / God and your native land!" Here, the speaker is calling for freedom and independence. He is asking for the United States to fight for its freedom and to honor the sacrifices of those who came before.
The poem then returns to the idea of unity, as the speaker says, "Hark! 'tis the voice of the sluggard; / I heard him complain and sigh, / 'Wake me up, when the fight is over, / Wake me up, when I win the prize.'" Here, the speaker is calling out those who are not willing to fight for their freedom. He is asking for unity and strength in the face of adversity.
The poem ends with the line, "Union and Liberty, one and inseparable, now and forever!" This final line speaks to the importance of both unity and freedom. The speaker is saying that these two ideas are inseparable, and that they must be fought for together.
Overall, "Union and Liberty" is a powerful poem that speaks to the importance of unity and freedom. It was written during a time of great turmoil in American history, and it speaks to the struggles that the United States faced during the Civil War. The poem is a call to action, asking for unity and strength in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that freedom and unity are inseparable, and that they must be fought for together.
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