When the racing sea-tides flow,
And the strong ships seaward go,
When the voice of the ocean’s crying,
And the wind’s wild bugles blow,
Go forth — for the order’s sped,
And the way lies clear ahead;
Go forth, where the salt spray’s flying,
On the way that the English tread.
Be strong to dare and fulfil,
When the trumpet’s blaring shrill,
Tho’ the foe stand close in the hollow,
And the shot fly straight from the hill.
Go forth! May you know not dread,
Nor halt where the vanguard’s led,
For strong must they be who follow
On the way that the English tread.
Go forth! For the Empress-land
Be the work of each strong young hand.
Tho’ your name may never be written
Where the names of the mighty stand;
Tho’ the light that is bright ahead
Be the glare of a sunset red,
Go forth, as befits a Briton,
On the way that the English tread.
For is it not the best of all
In the front of the fight to fall,
Tho’ you’re leaving your life’s young beauty
To answer the ringing call?
To know, when the swift death’s sped,
And your strength is well-nigh fled,
That at least you have done your duty
On the way that the English tread.
(Cicely Fox Smith)
More Poetry from Cicely Fox Smith:
Cicely Fox Smith Poems based on Topics: Light, Cry, Name, English, Work & Career, Flying- The Quest Of The Queen (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- Missing (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The Rhyme Of The Four Strong Men (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- Resurrection (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The King's Grief (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
- The Three Ships (Cicely Fox Smith Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Light Poems, Name Poems, Cry Poems, Work & Career Poems, Flying Poems, English PoemsBased on Keywords: blaring, vanguard, sea-tides