To a Kindly Critic

If it's wrong to believe in the land that we love

And to pray for Our Flag to the good God above;

If it's wrong to believe that Our Country is best;

That honor's her standard, and truth is her crest;

If placing her first in our prayers and our song

Is false to true reason, we're glad to be wrong.

If it's wrong to wish victory day after day

For the troops of Our Country now marching away;

If it's wrong to believe they are moved by the right

And not by the love and the lure of the fight;

If to cheer them to battle and bid them be strong

Is false to right thinking, then let us be wrong.

If it's wrong to believe in America's dreams

Of a freedom on earth that's as real as it seems;

If it's error to cherish the hope, through and through,

That the Stars in Old Glory's immaculate blue

Shall shine through the ages, true beacons to men,

We pray that no right phrase shall flow from our pen.