The Reverend Don r. Chisholm, CD
(CAVPadre@thecav.ca)
Dedicated to the Canadian
troops who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Rest in peace, and God be with you.
Rest in peace, and God be with you.
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Chief YellowHawk's Prayer |
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| A COMMON
SOLDIER
He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion telling stories of the past; Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done In his exploits with his buddies - they were heroes everyone. ‘Tho sometimes to his neighbours, his tales became a joke, All his buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke. But we’ll hear his tales no longer, for old Bob has passed away, And the world’s a little poorer, for a Soldier died today. No, he won’t be mourned by many - just his children and his wife, For he lived a very ordinary quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised his kids, quietly going on his way, And the world won’t note his passing; ‘tho a Soldier died today. When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great; Papers tell their life stories, from the time that they were young, But the passing of a Soldier goes unnoticed and unsung. Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land A politician who breaks his promise, and cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country, and offers up his life? The politician’s stipend and the style in which he lives Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives; While the ordinary Soldier, who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal, or a pension so very small. It’s easy to forget them, for it was so long ago That Bob, and Joe, and Johnny went into battle, but we know It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom that our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger with your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out with his ever waffling stand? Or would you want a Soldier who has sworn to defend His home, his kin, his country, and would fight until the end? He was just a common Soldier, and his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us we may need his like again. For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier’s part Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start. If we cannot do him honour while he’s here to hear the praise, Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days. Perhaps a simple headline in the paper that might say: OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY. |
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| THE FINAL INSPECTION The soldier stood and faced God Which must always come to pass. He hoped his shoes were shining Just as brightly as his brass. Step forward now, you soldier, how shall I deal with you? Have you always turned the other cheek? To My Church have you been true? The soldier squared his shoulders And said, No Lord, I guess I ain't Because those of us who carry guns Can't always be a saint I've had to work most Sundays, And at times my talk was tough; And sometimes I've been violent, Because the world is awfully rough. But, I never took a penny That wasn't mine to keep... Though I worked a lot of overtime When the bills just got too steep, And I never passed a cry for help; Though at times I shook with fear. And sometimes, God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears. I know I don't deserve a place, Among the people here. They never wanted me around Except to calm their fear. If you've a place for me here, Lord, It needn't be so grand. I never expected or had too much; But if you don't, I'll understand. There was a silence all around the throne Where the saints had often trod. As the soldier waited quietly For the judgement of his God, Step forward now, you soldier, you've borne your burdens well. Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets; You've done your time in Hell. To all Who Serve |
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