An Hymn for the American People

Brothers and sisters, on this day
Of deathless glory, let us come
United in our glad array
To hymn our fathers’ martyrdom.
Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust?
So let it be! In God we trust.

They died – they died – and we are free.
Take up their cross! Deserve their crown!
The stainless flag of liberty
By man shall not be trodden down!
Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust?
So let it be! In God we trust.

In war and earthquake, wreck and wrong,
Still let the flag of freedom fly!
In peace and safety, still be strong!
For we will live as we would die.
Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust?
So let it be! In God we trust.

Though ruin wash the world in blood,
Though death devour, though time decay,
Let but our hearts hold brotherhood,
And this they shall not take away.
Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust?
So let it be! In God we trust.

Stand! and join hands! and let us sing!
Shake out Old Glory to the skies!
With heart and hands defiant fling
Our purpose against Destiny’s.
Ashes to ashes? Dust to dust?
So let it be! In God we trust.

ALEISTER CROWLEY.

Previous | Top | Issue 3, March 1918 | Next