Grandpa's Admonition

Grandson you thrice requested me to relate
one occasion, a sad remembrance of fate,
when the age of empires foundations rent,
and every woe our nation once underwent;

There were sounds even you could hear,
nor did anyone witness events without a tear,
and now in my latter years of wasting night,
sit upon my knee to all you may kindly invite.

Destiny compelled north and south in despair,
our nation grew weary of the war to end all war;
And, by God's hand and aid, a fabric reared
which at its cornerstone His light appeared.

Both sides sent home hero's with pine made
coffin's return, and this the vow which they paid,
in hallowed ground they lay side by side,
but the proud symbol they did not try to hide.

With woven arms friends bore family's load
and the sweet dark ground become an abode
in sight of God on our American made isle
while the angels in heaven greet with a smile.

The war was over and young and old divide,
with noise say nothing and pursuits now guide
for gone are the vocal and numerous crowd,
and those who returned for afar cried aloud.

This once great fabric our nation to enclose,
blinded by excesses, our foes not to expose
but having said this God's admonition flew,
and down on a great nation his anger he threw.

Where once were machine's of steel now wood,
and trembling in the hollow the coward's stood,
but the nation to fall was not in HIS design
or had not all men been fated to be blind.

Hear how the nation of God was not disguised,
and behold this nation of GOD in men comprised,
trembling the miscreant stood, unarmed and bound
while HE stared, and rolled his knowing eyes around.

He said and sighed, with a rueful cast eye,
asked us to vow valor for those who die;
Give credit to HE whom we long to know
with HIS name in our pledge honor to show.

Oh grandson, look at the time we all have spent,
trusting you know of these things and what I meant;
Just remember what of us the King commands
to never loose HIS fetters or unbind HIS hands.

And preserve this nation's faith to you they gave,
and we pass on to you God's love for you to save;
Know your fathers and the attempt's we've made,
which were founded on HIS good book and aid.