THE OUTER GUARD
Bold Watchers of the deeps,
Guards of the Greater Ways,
How shall our swelling hearts express
Our heights and depths of thankfulness
For these safe-guarded days!
Grim is your vigil there,
Black day and blacker night,—
Watching for life, while knavish death
Lurks all around, above, beneath,
Waiting his chance to smite.
Your hearts are stouter than
The worst that Death can do.
Our thoughts for you!—our prayers for you!
There's One aloft that cares for you,
And He will see you through.
Don't think we e'er forget
The debt we owe to you!
Never a night but we pray for you!
Never a day but we say for you,—
"God bless the gallant lads in blue!
With mighty strength their hearts renew!
Bless every ship and every crew!
Give every man his rightful due!
And bring them all safe through!"
John Oxenham
By permission of the Author