PRAYER FOR OUR SONS

Our little sons! O God, if I had known
How soon their days of childhood would e flown;
How soon would cease their childish, lisping prayers;
How soon would fall upon them manhood's cares;
I would have held more closely to my breast
Those childhood days, a golden treasure chest.

If I had known how short would be their stay;
How soon they'd shoulder arms and march away;
How soon the song and laughter would be o'er;
How soon on joy and mirth would close the door;
If I had known then what I know today,
I would have joined more often in their play.

Sun of my soul, let me to Thee draw near.
Allay the poignant sharpness of my fear;
Shorten the day of man's destructive power;
Bring speedily the joyous peacetime hour;
breathe on those sons, teach them the power of prayer;
Enfold them 'neath the shelter of Thy care.