BY AVELLINA BALESTRI

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 honor 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