Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A PRAYER, by MAGDALENE C. STEPHENS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A PRAYER, by                    
First Line: Dear god, on far horizons
Last Line: May serve peace gloriously.
Subject(s): Prayer; Tragedy; War


Dear God, on far horizons
The war-clouds gather fast,
And ominous fears grip stricken hearts
As troops and ships are massed.

Grim war-lords, mad for glory,
Stand safely by and plan
To wreak a frightful vengeance
Upon their fellow-man.

They will not feel the terror
Of air-raid, gas, or trench,
Or shattering, piercing agony;
Nor smell the battle's stench!

They will not hear the widow's moan,
The orphan's piteous cry --
They will not hear the curses
Of those they send to die.

Dear Lord, why should such erring men
Be given so much power,
That they can bring whole nations
To such a tragic hour?

Help us as mothers in Thy cause
To cleanse the world of war --
Purge all men's hearts of lust to kill
And conquer -- evermore.

Then shall we know that sons we bear
May live life joyously,
And ever building for the right
May serve Peace gloriously.





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