A soldier lad lay dreaming, <br /> Near a battlefield one day, <br /> In his mind he was scheming, <br /> How to win victory. <br /> <br /> He heard his captain calling, <br /> "Rise and fire rapidly", <br /> Then he began bawling, <br /> "Yes Sir, right away". <br /> <br /> Next he charged forth bravely <br /> To meet the enemy <br /> But he was wounded gravely <br /> And lay in misery. <br /> <br /> Then he saw the tattered flag <br /> And 'midst a hail of fire, <br /> He rose and took that precious rag, <br /> And proudly waved it higher. <br /> <br /> Lo and behold he did succeed, <br /> In rallying his comrades all, <br /> And the courage of his noble deed, <br /> History would recall.<br /><br />Helen Allan<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-tattered-flag/
