Rule Britannia (Poetry)

Do you remember a time, Britannia —
do you recall that time
when our nation’s heart beat strong and true
and the dream seemed fresh and fine?

Back then, shared patriotic pride
was the order of the day
when tradition waved its steadfast flag
and fierce loyalty still held sway.

Once, there was such a time, Britannia —
not so very long ago
when hearts stayed close to hearth and home
and encouraged faith to grow

so men lived fuller, richer lives
and they valued what they had
until cold winds of change blew in
to poison — turned things bad.

But our island home has memories
that haunt its troubled sleep —
lost visions rise from history
to resurrect and keep

alive that spirit all but dead
and offer hope once more —
Come back, Britannia! Rule these waves
the way you did before!