Quote:
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Originally Posted by PlanG
Now, I'm not religious, nor am I a soldier.
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Ditto! Still, one doesn't need to believe in Jesus to enjoy Christmas. Case in point:
Recessional by Rudyard Kipling
Quote:
God of our fathers, known of old,
Lord of our far-flung battle-line,
Beneath whose awful Hand we hold
Dominion over palm and pine
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!
The tumult and the shouting dies;
The Captains and the Kings depart:
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!
Far-called, our navies melt away;
On dune and headland sinks the fire:
Lo, all our pomp of yesterday
Is one with Nineveh and Tyre!
Judge of the Nations, spare us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!
If, drunk with sight of power, we loose
Wild tongues that have not Thee in awe,
Such boastings as the Gentiles use,
Or lesser breeds without the Law
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget lest we forget!
For heathen heart that puts her trust
In reeking tube and iron shard,
All valiant dust that builds on dust,
And guarding, calls not Thee to guard,
For frantic boast and foolish word
Thy mercy on Thy People, Lord!
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I memorized this back in 8th grade as a part of english class. We were given a simple assignment: find a poem you like, memorize it, and then recite it in front of the class. Unfortunately, I was sick when this was assigned, and only had one day to prepare. Fortunately, my grandfather used to recite his favorite poetry, which he used to carry with him when deployed (Army), to me when I was a boy, and this poem came to mind.
I got an A.