Dutch

A shadow surely crossed the sun
The day we lost Tom Jefferson
As I am shadowed here today
And heedless that the tears betray.

The shining city grown from then
Has ever summoned giant men
Who call us on to burnished quest
The heirs of sheltering liberty blessed.

With clear eyed soul and knowing grin
He called to all our best within
Look up he urged and rise, advance
With Dutch you knew you had the chance.

True shining city vast and wide
Where only can vast men abide
And damn, the twisting pain and break
To see them never, save their wake.

Sharp poignance habits this deprive
Moved from a tragic death alive
But high his flag flies now at half—
He left it on a taller staff.