War Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr
““Old Ironsides" Aye tear her tattered ensign down long has it waved on high, And many an eye has danced to see That banner in the sky; Beneath it rung the battle shout, And burst the cannon's roar;-- The meteor of the ocean air Shall sweep the clouds no more. Her deck, once red with heroes' blood, Where knelt the vanquished foe, When winds were hurrying o'er the flood, And waves were white below, No more shall feel the victor's tread, Or know the conquered knee;-- The harpies of the shore shall pluck The eagle of the sea! Oh, better that her shattered hulk Should sink beneath the wave; Her thunders shook the mighty deep, And there should be her grave; Nail to the mast her holy flag, Set every threadbare sail, And give her to the god of storms, The lightning and the gale!””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Old Ironsides” by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr, 1830s
The poem laments the loss of a once-mighty ship, urging its destruction to end its lingering glory and suffering.
In simple terms: A great ship should be let go when its glory fades.
Key Takeaway
Accept endings to prevent lingering pain.
Themes
loss
acceptance
war
memory
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
lament
When to use this quote
- naval history
- memorial services
- personal grief
- letting go
Key Concepts
impermanence
heroism
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does letting go of past glory look like?
- How can we honor memories without clinging?
A Different Perspective
The poem romanticizes destruction, which may glorify violence.
