George Herbert Clarke, ed. (1873–1953). A Treasury of War Poetry. 1917.
Winifred M. Letts
Chaplain to the Forces
A
Up to the very gates of Hell,
Through fog of powder, storm of shell,
To speak your Master’s message: “Lo,
The Prince of Peace is with you still,
His peace be with you, His good-will.”
To be a man and yet stand by,
To hold your life while others die,
To bless, not share the sacrifice,
To watch the strife and take no part—
You with the fire at your heart.
To know the sweat of agony,
The darkness of Gethsemane,
In anguish for these souls unpriced.
Vicegerent of God’s pity you,
A sword must pierce your own soul through.
Apart in some tree-shadowed place,
Your altar but a packing-case,
Rude as the shed where Mary lay,
Your sanctuary the rain-drenched sod,
You bring the kneeling soldier God.
’Twixt life and death, and unto death
Speed the brave soul whose failing breath
Shudders not at the grip of Fate,
But answers, gallant to the end,
“Christ is the Word—and I his friend.”
For all is well and shall be well.
What though you tread the roads of Hell,
Your Captain these same ways has trod.
Above the anguish and the loss
Still floats the ensign of His Cross.