History & Politics

The Winds of War-News

by Henry van Dyke 1852–1933

From The Poems of Henry van Dyke (1925)

History & Politics

The winds of war-news change and veer:
Now westerly and full of cheer,
Now easterly, depressing, sour
With tidings of the Teutons' power.

But thou, America, whose heart
With brave Allies has taken part,
Be not a weathercock to change
With these wild winds that shift and range.

Be thou a compass ever true,
Through sullen clouds or skies of blue,
To that great star which rules the night,--
The star of Liberty and Right.

Lover of peace, oh set thy soul,
Thy strength, thy wealth, thy conscience whole,
To win the peace thine eyes foresee,--
The triumph of Democracy.

✦ ✦ ✦

From "The Red Flower and Golden Stars". Dated December 19, 1917 in the source.

MLA

Dyke, Henry van. “The Winds of War-News.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/vandyke/154/.

Chicago

Dyke, Henry van. “The Winds of War-News.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/vandyke/154/.

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