Monday, May 30, 2011

In Memoriam for Those Who Have Fallen for Our Freedoms


A Take on Blake's "Jerusalem" - Elizabeth Moon

This for the friends we had of old,
Friends for a lifetime's love and cheer.
This for the friends who come no more,
Who cannot be among us here.

We'll not forget, while we're alive,
These hallowed dead, these deeds of fame.
Where they have gone, we follow soon
Into the darkness and the flame.

Then we shall rise, our duty done,
Freed from all pain and sorrow here, 
We'll leave behind ambition's sting
And keep alive our honor dear.

And they will stand beside us then
All whom we loved and hoped to see
And they shall sing, a glad AMEN,
To cheer that final victory.

Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my ship — O clouds unfold
Bring me my chariot of fire.

We shall not cease our faithful watch
Nor shall the sword sleep in our hand
Till we have gone beyond the stars
To join that fair immortal band.
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