Sometimes you just have to say it out loud...

Prayer of a Soldier in France

Joyce Kilmer (1886–1918)
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Written while in France working in Intelligence, and although NOT assigned to active duty on the front line, he stood with the First Battalion at the Battle of Ourcq and gave the greatest sacrifice... himself to save others.
He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for his bravery.

This poem makes me think not only of what THAT must have been like, but Jesus' walk, carrying the Cross to his final destination, and the Sacrifice he was willing to make.
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MY shoulders ache beneath my pack
(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back).

I march with feet that burn and smart
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).

Men shout at me who may not speak
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek).

I may not lift a hand to clear
My eyes of salty drops that sear.

(Then shall my fickle soul forget
Thy Agony of Bloody Sweat?)

My rifle hand is stiff and numb
(From Thy pierced palm red rivers come).

Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me
Than all the hosts of land and sea.

So let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen.

Poet and Hero... something to Think about 'Trees' by Joyce Kilmer

I THINK that I shall never see
A Poem as lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the sweet Earth's flowing breast.

A tree who looks at God all day
And lifts her leafy arms to pray.

A tree who may in Summer wear
A nest of Robins in her hair.

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

I love this poem.
My mother quoted it to me when I was about 8, I think, and it stuck.
When I got older I wanted to know more about this Joyce Kilmer person, so I struck out to see what I could find.

Joyce Kilmer is a MAN, Yep! He was actually in WWl and was a decorated Hero having been given the French Croix de Guerre for bravery. He was a member of the earliest intelligence corps and died in battle protecting the men serving with him.

He had worked for Wagner & Funk's as an editor for their dictionary, and for The New York Times.
He was born, and grew up in, New Jersey. He was successful; had a wife and children.

And was considered the Premier American Catholic Poet alive when he enlisted in the military at the age of 30.

I HOPE that I should never have to see,
Men as brave and God-Loving as he...

But I am glad they exist, and that they are first and foremost Men of Intelligence, Honor and Love for their Families and Their Faith...