Page:A treasury of war poetry, British and American poems of the world war, 1914-1919.djvu/315

 Rh

In the pale gleam of new-born day,

Apart in some tree-shadowed place,

Your altar but a packing case,

Rude as the shed where Mary lay,

Your sanctuary the rain-drenched sod,

You bring the kneeling soldier God.

As sentinel you guard the gate

'Twixt life and death, and unto death

Speed the brave soul whose failing breath

Shudders not at the grip of Fate,

But answers, gallant to the end,

"Christ is the Word—and I His friend."

Then God go with you, priest of God,

For all is well and shall be well.

What though you tread the roads of Hell,

Your Captain these same ways has trod.

Above the anguish and the loss

Still floats the ensign of His Cross. Winifred M. Letts

SONG OF THE RED CROSS

GRACIOUS ones, we bless your name

Upon our bended knee;

The voice of love with tongue of flame

Records your charity.

Your hearts, your lives right willingly ye gave,

That sacred ruth might shine;

Ye fell, bright spirits, brave amongst the brave,

Compassionate, divine.

Example from your lustrous deeds

The conqueror shall take,

Sowing sublime and fruitful seeds

Of aidos in this ache.