The American Boy – An Undiscovered Patriotic Gem From 1838

The poem “The American Boy,” which I discovered in an 1838 newspaper, is an evocative piece reflecting the patriotic fervor of its time. The poem features a dialogue between a father and his son, with the son admiring the national flag and expressing a desire to participate in the celebrations of freedom. The father, though aged, encourages his son’s burgeoning patriotism, underscoring the importance of cherishing and defending their homeland.

Despite its poignant content and the era’s rich literary landscape, the specific authorship of “The American Boy” remains unverified. During the 19th century, it was not uncommon for poems and songs to circulate widely without clear attribution, especially when published in newspapers or periodicals. This lack of attribution makes it challenging to identify the original author definitively.

The poem’s themes of national pride and the intergenerational transmission of patriotic values resonate with the sentiments prevalent in pre-Civil War America. Such works often aimed to instill a sense of unity and national identity among readers, reflecting the cultural milieu of the time.

The American Boy

“Father, look up and see that flag,
How gracefully it flies;
Those pretty stripes—they seem to be
A rainbow in the skies.”

“It is your country’s flag, my son,
And proudly drinks the light,
O’er ocean’s wave—in foreign climes,
A symbol of our might.”

“Father, what fearful noise is that,
Like thundering of the clouds?
Why do the people wave their hats,
And rush along in crowds?”

“It is the voice of cannonry,
The glad shouts of the free,
This is a day to memory dear—
‘Tis Freedom’s Jubilee.”

“I wish that I were now a man,
I’d fire my cannon too,
And cheer as fondly as the rest—
But father, why don’t you?”

“I’m getting old and weak—but still
My heart is big with joy;
I’ve witnessed many a day like this—
Shout ye aloud, my boy!”

“Hurrah for Freedom’s Jubilee!
God bless our native land;
And may I live to hold the sword
Of Freedom in my hand!”

“Well done, my boy—grow up and love
The land that gave you birth,
A home where Freedom loves to dwell,
A paradise on earth.”

Home of The Brave is Wherever You Roar

The last we talked, The Partisan Ship was leaving port… Since then, the tone of media has changed and people who ROAR are starting to be heard.

Let’s celebrate this turning point with a song about the best songs about ROARING! See below for a link to the Spotify playlist. This original song was created from a particular list of works I have been studying for the past month.

Created with Suno, full lyrics available here. (download link)

Songs

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
This iconic song is all about perseverance and fighting spirit, perfect for embodying the message of bravery and determination.

“Roar” by Katy Perry
A contemporary anthem that encourages finding your voice and standing up for yourself, aligning well with the idea of bravery wherever you are.

“Brave” by Sara Bareilles
This song directly speaks to the idea of being brave and speaking out, fitting perfectly with your slogan.

“Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
An empowering anthem about fighting for what you believe in and finding your strength, echoing the call to bravery.

“Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey
A classic rock song that encourages perseverance and maintaining hope and courage, even in difficult times.

Poems

“If—” by Rudyard Kipling
This poem is a timeless piece about maintaining composure, integrity, and bravery in the face of challenges.

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

“Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
A powerful poem about resilience and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost
This poem celebrates the courage to take the unconventional path and make bold choices.

I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

“Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas
A fierce call to fight against the dying of the light, urging resistance and bravery.

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.