New Poem: "We Happy Few"
A poem about Henry V, veterans of war, and my dear old teacher
My alma mater had a tradition of reciting Shakespeare’s beautiful Henry V “We Happy Few” speech on Saint Crispin’s Day. I wanted to write a poem about veterans that referenced Henry V. And then I realized there was another Harry left to honor: Harry Hoyt Lacey III. He was my oldest, wisest, and dearest Latin teacher and mentor. Mr. Lacey taught me from the time I was 11 years old through to when I was a senior in college. He was the grandfather that lived long past my own.
I miss that old wizard Harry like the Fellowship missed Gandalf after his fall in Moria.
We Happy Few
By Tyler Morrison
For ones that fought and bravely died,
For lucky sons who still survive,
For those who fought and bravely tried
(All efforts are better than none at all),
For Agincourt and all honor’s war,
Raise up your glass to Harry’s hall!
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
O, Mary give them comfort.
O, Jesus, King, redeem them.
And Michael, O thou Angel,
Thou Saint in Battle,
Fend off the devils without, within.
Preserve the lines, reserves so thin,
And give our soldiers the holy courage
To face the serpent’s scourges
And every foe!
Oh, surely, Christ, surely Lacey,
O Lord Most High, is afforded
No less glory than Thy good King Harry.
For both were princes brave and grave
Of Thy English Catholic host.
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