MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The daughter of a Floyd County native discovered a poem her father wrote about perseverance through dark times, particularly during war or conflict, reflecting a message that is pertinent with the celebration of Independence Day this week.

Robert Alton Crisp was born on Buck's Branch in Martin in 1904 and spent most of his life as a teacher in the Floyd County School System, at Allen Elementary, and then old Maytown High School. He wrote the poem while living and working in Detroit during World War II before moving back to Floyd County in 1945. 

The poem is entitled, “The Storm”, a metaphorical reflection of endurance, reflecting on the struggles of hope during a stormy night of war, yet peace would be found on the horizon. His daughter Alicia Crisp said of the message, "I think the message of the poem is comparing the war to a terrible storm, but knowing that eventually, all storms pass, and this one would, too."

With permission from Alicia, we share his message with you.

“The Storm”

Though the night is long and dreary

As we list to the howling storm,

Though our souls are tired and weary

We shall hang on ‘till the morn.

Though our hopes are sometimes shattered

By the awful wintry blast,

Though our castle walls are battered,

We know it cannot last.

And this ghastly war, like the winter night,

Is frought with hopes and fears,

Though the path is dark, we will ever fight

Through our, “blood and sweat and tears.”

Soon will come the dawn of a bright new day,

When turmoil and strife will cease,

Then the thunder of war will fade away,

And we’ll welcome the dove of peace.