Army Hymn - Old Hundred

By Oliver Wendell Holmes

Lyric Poem
    O Lord of Hosts! Almighty King!     Behold the sacrifice we bring     To every arm thy strength impart,     Thy spirit shed through every heart!     Wake in our breasts the living fires,     The holy faith that warmed our sires;     Thy hand hath made our Nation free;     To die for her is serving Thee.     Be Thou a pillared flame to show     The midnight snare, the silent foe;     And when the battle thunders loud,     Still guide us in its moving cloud.     God of all Nations! Sovereign Lord     In thy dread name we draw the sword,     We lift the starry flag on high     That fills with light our stormy sky.     From treason's rent, from murder's stain,     Guard Thou its folds till Peace shall reign, -     Till fort and field, till shore and sea,     Join our loud anthem, PRAISE TO THEE!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is strongly rooted in themes of patriotism, faith, and sacrifice. The speaker is imploring a divine entity, the 'Lord of Hosts', to bestow strength and spirit upon them, suggesting a sense of a united front ready to protect and serve their nation. This religious invocation also indicates a blending of civic duty and spiritual belief, an element often present in wartime literature.

The tone of the poem is earnest and fervent, reflecting the deep-seated passion of the speaker for their country. The structure, comprised of rhymed quatrains, adds to the rhythmic and ritualistic quality of the poem. This formality and rhythm create a sense of unity and order, mirroring the collective national spirit the poem seeks to invoke.

The use of potent imagery, such as the 'pillared flame' and 'moving cloud', suggests divine guidance and protection during times of conflict. The 'starry flag' symbolizes the nation's ideals, its light persisting even in 'stormy sky', emphasizing the theme of resilience. The final stanza envisages a time of peace, with the nation free from 'treason' and 'murder', a moment when all elements, 'fort and field, shore and sea', unite in an anthem of praise. This ultimately positions the poem as a call to arms, but one that looks beyond the battle to a harmonious and peaceful future, underscoring the sacrifices made in the present as a pathway to peace.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.