Recessional In Time Of War

Medical Unit -     Even as I see, and share with you in seeing,     The altar flame of your love's sacrifice;     And even as I bear before the hour the vision,     Your little hands in hospital and prison     Laid upon broken bodies, dying eyes,     So do I suffer for splendor of your being     Which leads you from me, and in separation     Lays on my breast the pain of memory.     Over your hands I bend     In silent adoration,     Dumb for a fear of sorrow without end,     Asking for consolation     Out of the sacrament of our separation,     And for some faithful word acceptable and true,     That I may know and keep the mystery:     That in this separation I go forth with you     And you to the world's end remain with me.             *        *        *        *        *     How may I justify the hope that rises     That I am giving you to a world of pain,     And am a part of your love's sacrifices?     Is it so little if I see you not again?     You will croon soldier lads to sleep,     Even to the last sleep of all.     But in this absence, as your love will keep     Your breast for me for comfort, if I fall,     So I, though far away, shall kneel by you     If the last hour approaches, to bedew     Your lips that from their infant wondering     Lisped of a heaven lost.     I shall kiss down your eyes, and count the cost     As mine, who gave you, by the tragic giving.     Go forth with spirit to death, and to the living     Bearing a solace in death.     God has breathed on you His transfiguring breath, -     You are transfigured     Before me, and I bow my head,     And leave you in the light that lights your way,     And shadows me. Even now the hour is sped,     And the hour we must obey -     Look you, I will go pray!