The Choice (The American Spirit Speaks)

written by


« Reload image

To the Judge of Right and Wrong
 With Whom fulfillment lies
Our purpose and our power belong,
 Our faith and sacrifice.

Let Freedom's land rejoice!
 Our ancient bonds are riven;
Once more to us the eternal choice
 Of good or ill is given.

Not at a little cost,
 Hardly by prayer or tears,
Shall we recover the road we lost
 In the drugged and doubting years,

But after the fires and the wrath,
 But after searching and pain,
His Mercy opens us a path
 To live with ourselves again.

In the Gates of Death rejoice!
 We see and hold the good-
Bear witness, Earth, we have made our choice
 For Freedom's brotherhood.

Then praise the Lord Most High
 Whose Strength hath saved us whole,
Who bade us choose that the Flesh should die
 And not the living Soul!

© Rudyard Kipling