It's right to have a statue in the park,
Where swords and anchors guard the pledge
in stone;
I come here often in the evening's dark,
And find a courage stronger than my own.
The Cannoneer is looking to the south;
There to the north, the Cavalry's at rest;
The Rifle's east, with sternness on his
mouth;
And on my side the Sailor, facing west.
They've stood here long before my father's
time,
While I've grown up beneath their sleepless
gaze,
And now my sons are men, and theirs will
climb
Upon this shaft on flag-filled holidays.
Mankind must live, and love, more Godlywise,
Under the plea ingrained in granite eyes.
