Democracy

OUR mighty bark, with masts that rake the stars,
Has lagged too long in port, and we have drowsed
An idle crew or with wild mates caroused,
Forgetful of our part in Freedom’s wars.
But now, at last, with sail taut to the spars,
For her whose rightful cause our sires espoused,
Again our ship must steer where blow unhoused
The winds of God, beyond the shoals and bars.
For still our orders hold, as in the past,—
That glorious day we shook our banner free,
And broke from out the line and took the van,
With linstocks lit, and bade them follow fast,
Who held with us, — to sail and search the sea
Until we find a better world for man.

William Prescott Foster.