Poems (Odom)/A Prayer

For works with similar titles, see Prayer.
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A PRAYER.
FOR MY FRIEND, MAJOR W. C. CAPERS.

'T is on the eve of battle now,
The God of war with shadowed brow,
Each soldier calls to keep his vow—
   Then strengthen them, our Father!

Among them moves a manly form,
Whose heart is throbbing true and warm
He, fearless, marks the coming storm—
   Oh! be his shield, our Father!

When 'mid the fast-approaching strife.
Where every gale with death is rife,
He, for his country, risks his life,
   Oh! guard him then, our Father!

Though 'neath the missiles of the foe
His comrades be in death laid low,
 ​Oh! turn from him each fatal blow—
   Save, save him then, our Father!

My God, upon my bended knee,
My friend I now commit to thee;
Oh! wreathe his sword with victory,
   And grant him life, our Father!

Then when the deadly strife is o'er,
And loved ones meet on freedom's shore,
Thine be the praise forever more,
   Throughout all time, our Father!

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