Tuesday, May 20, 2008

OLD IRONSIDES

Ay, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high,
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky;
Beneath it rung the battle shout,
And burst the cannon's roar:--
The meteor of the ocean air
Shall sweep the clouds no more!
Old Ironsides, Boston, Massachusetts
Old Ironsides, Boston, Massachusetts

Her deck, once red with heroes' blood
Where knelt the vanquished foe,
When winds were hurrying o'er the flood
And waves were white below,
No more shall feel the victor's tread,
Or know the conquered knee;--
The harpies of the shore shall pluck
The eagle of the sea!

O better that her shattered hulk
Should sink beneath the wave;
Her thunders shook the mighty deep,
And there should be her grave;
Nail to the mast her holy flag,
Set every thread-bare sail,
And give her to the god of storms,--
The lightning and the gale!
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (1809-1894)


Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr was a prominent Harvard physician (and father of the distinguished jurist of the same name). Holmes wrote "Old Ironsides" at age 21 in a successful effort to prevent destruction of the celebrated warship, Constitution, which may still be viewed today.

The U.S.S. Constitution after a Four-Year Restoration by Maria Stenzel
The U.S.S. Constitution after a Four-Year Restoration



Literature and History lesson for today

Love, Mimi

14 comments:

Mary said...

Mimi,

She is a beauty and I'm so glad that she was restored and is able to be viewed today. I would love to see her.

Your blog is awesome. I always find a sense of tranquility here.

Blessings for a great week.
Mary

Patty said...

I have seen her many times and got to see her turned a few times.
I just love old sailing ships. I have many ship builders and sea captians in my family history and love to read some of the stories they left to share.

Beverly said...

I had to memorize this poem in highschool, and enjoyed learning about the USS Consititution.

Thank you for this "lesson!"

Mike Golch said...

I have to say thank you for this great post.The U.S.S Consitition should be preserved.Some thing that most war ships of our days are not except for a few lucky ships that become floating Museums.

The Sparrow's Heart said...

Very interesting Mimi. Sending you love, Nita

Dawn said...

I remember the days when we used to memorize such poetry in school.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Things seem to be getting more difficult and confusing before they improve. Satan is having a great time here. But we are standing strong on HIs promises!

Ruthie said...

I remember that poem from years ago. How fun to read your post.
I always enjoy spending time here.
Smiles.

Mary said...

Mimi,

Thanks so much for posting the kind comments about my poem. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Blessings being sent your way.
Mary

Jodi said...

Mom, the children and I had a unit study on this warship that we did several years ago. It even included a video tour of the ship! I love your history lessons. :o)

Saija said...

thank you ...

be blessed!

nannykim said...

Mimi--thanks for your comments on my blog and your prayers. Come to my blog and see what God has done.

Maxine said...

You have the best lessons! Thanks for sharing that and the beautiful music and pictures.

Tracy said...

I have seen her , and yes she is still as beautiful. I loved the poem, ty for sharing this with us.

Denise said...

That is something that I would love to see....Maybe one of these days.....but it was wonderful to read about her..... I did so love your history lesson.......