Heart of Oak

Heart of Oak

Heart of Oak, well-seasoned wood,

I can feel your presence

My breast has been your hiding place,

My fathers’ blood, your sustenance



You are our unity and our continuity

Though some may seek to hide

You are our truest side,

Heart of Oak



Your ancient roots are flawed by years,

Yet they run deep in native soil

Both good and bad we all must face

For ‘tis the harvest of our toil



It matters not from whence we came

All your children bare your brand

To fracture now would be but waste

Together let us always stand



When tyrants tried to pierce you through,

You drove them back with fiery pride

Let not your fatal hour be

The consequence of suicide



Our fickle world is set for change,

To change the world for change’s sake

We’re told to look the other way

To bend our honour lest we break



But in the end, unthinking change

Measures out a petty price

The greatest worth is in the heart

Of constancy and sacrifice



You are our unity and our continuity

Though some may seek to hide

You are our truest side –

Our strong, yet silent pride

Heart of Oak

Original Poetry