Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HYMN FOR THE SLAIN IN BATTLE by WILLIAM STANLEY BRAITHWAITE

First Line: LORD, GOD OF ALL IN LIFE AND DEATH
Last Line: THEY MAKE THE GREATEST SACRIFICE.
Subject(s): WAR;
LORD, God of all in Life and Death,
The winter's storm, the summer's breath,
Of fragrant bloom,- whose Mighty hand
Decrees the pow'r of sea and land,
Hear, Lord, this prayer for those who are
Slain in the hour of thund'rous war.
Have mercy, Lord, on those who fail
Rent by the iron-splintered ball.
Reck not their cause was right or wrong,
'Twas Duty led them blind and strong.
They shaped not what to war gave rise --
They make the greatest sacrifice.



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