Poems (Kennedy)/Let Us Pray
"LET US PRAY"
FATHER, listen—bend your head:
Where the trampled fields bloom red
With the chrism of our faith—
Blood that courage freely gives
And the soul of Freedom lives—
They are fighting, our brave men.
Father, hear us while we pray!
Where the trampled fields bloom red
With the chrism of our faith—
Blood that courage freely gives
And the soul of Freedom lives—
They are fighting, our brave men.
Father, hear us while we pray!
Shelter each dear head this day,
Guard each arm that strikes a blow.
Each one there, each tender lad
Is as great Sir Galahad
Fighting for the cause of truth—
Each one there, each valiant one
Guard each arm that strikes a blow.
Each one there, each tender lad
Is as great Sir Galahad
Fighting for the cause of truth—
Each one there, each valiant one
Is some mother's brave, bright son;
Keep him, God for her dear sake;
Let her winging prayer to Thee
Aegis for her warrior be,
Shielding him against the Hun.
Father, in the battle's rush
Keep him, God for her dear sake;
Let her winging prayer to Thee
Aegis for her warrior be,
Shielding him against the Hun.
Father, in the battle's rush
If there comes a sudden hush
They will hear and feel our prayer,
They will know, on bended knee,
We are holding tryst with Thee,
Praying with our every breath:
Keep them, Lord of Hosts. Amen.
They will hear and feel our prayer,
They will know, on bended knee,
We are holding tryst with Thee,
Praying with our every breath:
Keep them, Lord of Hosts. Amen.