I would really like to see someone set this to music with the substitution listed - the last stanza really hits me!

Rudyark Kipling is one of my favorites and I flee to his writings whenever we have a storm like this. Here is one of his works that speaks to me and I presume all of us at this time - let me know if you agree!

While this was obviously written for 'The Great War',

if you substitute Americans for English, does it not speak to and for US?
Our culture descends from these, our Cousins, and our behaviors match this growing cold anger!

The Beginnings

1914-18


   It was not part of their blood,
     It came to them very late
   With long arrears to make  good,
     When the English began to hate.

   They were not easily moved,
      They were  icy-willing  to  wait
   Till  every  count  should  be  proved,
     Ere  the  English  began  to  hate.

   Their voices  were  even  and  low,
     Their  eyes  were  level  and  straight.
   There was neither sign nor show,
     When  the  English  began  to  hate.

   It was not preached to  the  crowd,
     It was not taught by the State.
   No man spoke it aloud,   
     When  the English began to hate. 

   It  was  not  suddenly  bred,
     It  will  not  swiftly abate,
   Through  the  chill  years  ahead,
     When Time  shall  count from  the date 
     That the English  began  to  hate.