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Poetry: Missing in action

by Charles Ray

Dear God, as I go off to war

Let me be brave and true.

Give me comrades who are strong

Who stand with me all through

The battle, no matter how long

It takes to do the job

That we were sent to do.

I pray, Oh Lord, for strength

To fight and win, and

Hurry back home

To kith and kin to

Enjoy the freedom

That I'm fighting for.

Should it be your will

That I should die, let it

At least not be in vain,

But for a cause that it

Just and true.

And, though I did not

Return to my native land,

I held my oath as

Sacred and did what

I had to do.

And, on that final judgment day

When all who've died

In battle stand before

The Celestial Throne.

Regardless of the flag or cause,

Look upon your children

Gracious Lord, and welcome

All your warriors to

Their final home.

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