Independence Day in Mexico

INDEPENDENCE DAY IN MEXICO. BY SARAH E. PEARSON- I stood apart upon a grassy hillside To watch the gay procession as it passed, The cavalry bands playing martial music — And infantry, and citizens en masse. The autumn sun, beneficent and mellow, Glistened on burnished helm and sabre sheath; And autumn leaves of gala red and yellow Vied with the huge boquet and perfumed wreath. The very winds, in sympathy with freemen, Lifted and spread their banners to the skies; And bore away upon their wings to heaven A nation's glad, enthusiastic cries. In cadence sweet, they sang their ode to Freedom, Peace on the land where brave forefathers slept; From gladsome eyes, I caught their inspiration, Smiled in return — then hid my face and wept. For oh, the music of that song was unfamiliar, The words were chanted in an unknown tongue; Strange the device, and stranger still the banner, Lifted on high and to the proud winds flung. Never had I so sensed my isolation From mountain vales which first mine eyes did greet- Never had I so missed that starry emblem, Our glorious flag that never knew defeat.

646 IMPROVEMENT ERA Gone are the days when cradled on thy bosom, My mother, have I listened to the strain Of "Oh, my Father," or "Star Spangled Banner," The zealot's or the patriot's sweet refrain. Gone are the days of martial song and story From lips now stiff and cold in death's embrace, A father's voice recounting deeds of glory Of soldier-ancestors of patriot race. And though no more I dwell within thy borders, No more my feet may press the sacred sod, Yet ever present the soul's adoration — Home, country, mother -tongue, and fathers' God. And though I learn to love my foster-country As foster-mother who hath proven kind, Sacred as kisses pressed on waxen eyelids, Are memories of that freedom-land of mine.