A Mother’s Dedication

DEAR son of mine, the baby days are over,

I can no longer shield you from the earth;

Yet in my heart always I must remember

How through the dark I fought to give you birth.

Dear son of mine, by all the lives behind you;

By all our fathers fought for in the past;

In this great war to which your birth has brought you,

Acquit you well, hold you our honour fast!

God guard you, son of mine, where’er you wander;

God lead the banners under which you fight;

You are my all, I give you to the Nation,

God shall uphold you that you fight aright.