Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nBy northern hills in icy dawn,
\nPast fields of wheat and barley wide,
\nWhere sweeping rivers meet the tide?<\/p>\n
Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nNear fighting men with heart and brawn
\nWho eagle-like flew o\u2019re the sea
\nTo make their mark on history.<\/p>\n
Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nHolding needle to jupon,
\nOr painting on the wooden shield
\nthat men of valor take to field.<\/p>\n
Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nMarching toward a foreign lawn
\nHolding rippling banner high
\nRed and white beneath blue sky.<\/p>\n
Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nWaiting for the denouement,
\nBreathless as each one proceeds
\nto match his chivalry with deeds.<\/p>\n
Where were you
\nwhen the first sword was drawn?
\nAs one we rallied, king and pawn,
\nto show the many gathered nations
\na tale to tell for generations.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
This poem was written for the first USA team to compete in the Battle of the Nations, which is this year, 2012, in Poland. Inspired by the words of Captain James, it is also an ode in honor of my dear Duke Lucan, who I served when he was King, as his bard.<\/em><\/p>\n This text also served as the text for Todd Kirby’s amazing composition for orchestra and choir, which he completed this year before the team left for Poland. You can hear it below.<\/em><\/p>\n