Poems (Coolidge)/Keeping Step
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.