Poems (Coolidge)/Keeping Step

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4474521Poems — Keeping StepHelen Elizabeth Coolidge
KEEPING STEP
They keep step to the same music.
Edmund H. Sears

A thought to keep us faithful, to make us brave and strong,
That to a countless army we each of us belong;
The clarion is calling o'er all the land and sea,
Whilst, keeping step, we're marching—before us victory.

A thought to give us patience, to make us joyous too,
Those witnesses around us, intent on all we do;
With martial music falling upon each willing ear,
They, keeping step, are marching, with us who struggle here.

A thought to soothe in sorrow, each drooping head to raise,
The Church above doth join us in every deed of praise;
That earthly music swelling is echoed far above,
And, keeping step, we alway may share the Saviour's love.

A thought our faith to strengthen, in that dread valley dim,
Of each who went before us as conqueror through Him;
The battle cry falls faintly upon the dying ear,
Yet, keeping step, we'll conquer, for victory is near.