Around me when I wake or sleep, Men strange to me their vigils keep; And some were boys but yesterday Upon the village green at play. Their faces I shall never know; Like sentinels they come and go. In grateful love I bend the knee For nameless men who die for me. There is in earth or heaven no room Where I may flee this dreadful doom. Forever it is understood I am a man redeemed by blood. I must walk softly all my days Down my redeemed and solemn ways. Christ, take the men I bring to Thee, The men who watch and die for me. |