We have boasted our courage in moments of ease, <br />Our star-spangled banner we've flung on the breeze; <br />We have taught men to cheer for its beauty and worth, <br />And have called it the flag of the bravest on earth <br />Now the dark days are here, we must stand to the test. <br />Oh, God! let us prove we are true to our best! <br /> <br />We have drunk to our flag, and we've talked of the right, <br />We have challenged oppression to show us its might; <br />We have strutted for years through the world as a race <br />That for God and for country, earth's tyrants would face; <br />Now the gage is flung down, hate is loosed in the world. <br />Oh, God! shall our flag in dishonor be furled? <br /> <br />We have said we are brave; we have preached of the truth, <br />We have walked in conceit of the strength of our youth; <br />We have mocked at the ramparts and guns of the foe, <br />As though we believed we could laugh them all low. <br />Now oppression has struck! We are challenged to fight! <br />Oh, God! let us prove we can stand for the right! <br /> <br />If in honor and glory our flag is to wave, <br />If we are to keep this—the land of the brave; <br />If more than fine words are to fashion our creeds, <br />Now must our hands and our hearts turn to deeds. <br />We are challenged by tyrants our strength to reveal! <br />Oh, God! let us prove that our courage is real!<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-time-for-deeds/
