A SOLDIER'S LAST REQUEST
Night time dreams of my lady fair
with eyes of green and auburn hair...
the only comfort afforded me,
now stolen here by all I see.
Days now filled with duty bound
with death and destruction all around;
caught up in war's inferno blaze...
it haunts my nights as it fills my days.
My comrades fallen hurt and dead...
this madness swims within my head;
and I can make no sense of it...
the earth is swallowed by hatred's pit.
Be still the fires burning bright;
restore the calm and peaceful night.
Be gone the hate that fills the days;
bring back the love and let it stay.
Protect the innocence of youth;
guard them now against this truth.
Let them never come to see
a world gone mad - misery.
Raise them with a loving heart;
they'll walk in light with such a start.
Instill the virtues of God's grace
to teach them how to live their days.
Grant me now my last request;
let it be my world's bequest...
that people learn in peace to live;
to never take, but only give.
Upon this earth my time is done;
upon my ears fall silent guns;
my body burning, wracked with pain...
and now my soul is free again.
Copyright Linda Ann Ford 1999