Celebrated victory
from distant past—
the summoning of courage for a cause
when Gideon rose in strength after pause
of prayer. The spirit of the Lord
came upon him. He could not afford
to summon loudly if he had not prayed.
Did this deliverer make a piercing sound
to split the morning air? It served to round
the men Zebulun mustered and arrayed;
it saved a nation from idolatry.
The trumpet call had such a vibrant ring.
Not the milling or the huddled crowds,
oblivious of its need, can hear it sing
across the centuries, beyond the clouds
of clinging bondage. Yet it has appeal
for multitudes today. Arise and act,
armed with courage and immortal fact!
