Sunday Kipling

Dedicated to Murphy's Law and his Dad. You are never far from our thoughts my friend.

Kiss those you love best and remember what is truly important in this life.
Six

Recessional

(A Victorian Ode)

God of our fathers, known of old 
  Lord of our far-flung battle line 
Beneath whose awful hand we hold
  Dominion over palm and pine 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!

The tumult and the shouting dies 
  The Captains and the Kings depart 
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
  An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!

Far-called our navies melt away 
  On dune and headland sinks the fire 
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
  Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!

If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
  Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe 
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
  Or lesser breeds without the Law 
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget -- lest we forget!

For heathen heart that puts her trust
  In reeking tube and iron shard 
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
  And guarding calls not Thee to guard.
For frantic boast and foolish word,
Thy Mercy on Thy People, Lord!
                              Amen.