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Margaret E. Williams, Ode To Our Soldiers’ Mothers

Oh Mothers many of the earth,
How could you know when you gave birth?
To your cherished little lump of clay,
That you coddled and loved and watched play.
Your beloved’s name would be drawn,
Every Billy and Susie, Jerry and John.
To defend our country they went away,
Their heads held high in pride that day.
You held the tears and never wept,
Hourly prayers you prayed to accept,
Whatever happened in those far away lands.
You placed it all in the Father’s hands.
After all, God knew about pain and sorrows.
He gave his son so we could live our tomorrows
Could you do no less than he?
Daily, you prayed on bended knee.
Then the news came…
Your world will never be the same.
Oh Mothers many of the earth,
Did you know when you gave birth,
That you would make the extreme sacrifice.
It was your child who would pay the awful price,
Of war, incredible, unacceptable war.
Oh Mothers many of the earth,
We thank you each, for giving birth,
To that dear, precious bundle of joy,
For every sweet girl and every handsome boy.
We share your pain and your pride.
We share every tear that you have cried.
Today we wish to stand in praise,
For the honorable children that you raised.
Forever, shall we not forget,
And honor their memory with no regret.

Margaret E. Williams