The Well Respected Man

Tell me a story, well-respected man Teach me from which was, that now I am Erupting, glowing, confluences of courage Even so in the desolate iniquity you forage There, in the meadow, you have been seen In such frightful frost river, ring, freedom ring O' red night when your pillbox was taken All while she shall never be shaken See there in the viny ruins of her chapels Arise over them victory, concealing death’s shrapnel And in the morning, past terror full day No crack of thunder nor fire will steal her away In your sweet bride's cheek, kiss it with red In her snow white breast, comfort your head Marvelous wonder, her old glory blue dress She dances, unafraid, exquisite, and no less She is why you stand, well-respected man, here today Minute upon hour, upon wrinkle and gray Cascading with strength, pure stony endurance Forever, be our country, a blessed assurance.