Hymn for Our Soldiers

A kyrielle poem, dedicated to our soldiers past, present, and future.

Hymn for Our Soldiers

November 18, 2011

 

With arms outstretched ‘mongst those most high

Boldly sing honor’s battle cry

Our gallant soldiers, Lord I pray

May they see through the coming day

 

Great Old Glory wave strong within

The heart of country thus shall win

 Selfless courage for freedom stands

Oh Lord, they fight for their homeland

 

Through bitter cold, the dead of night

Hostility with no respite

Through wind and weather, Lord I pray

They stand tall in the coming day

 

‘mongst dust and hell that settles none

Hope does not wane in honor’s son

Liberty comes with coarse demands

Oh Lord, they fight for our homeland

 

And when the dawn and dusk have burned

Our foes take as a lesson learned

We fight for freedom, Lord I pray

Stand proud within the coming day

Author's Note

The name kyrielle derives from the Kýrie, which is part of many Christian liturgies. A kyrielle is written in rhyming couplets or quatrains. It may use the phrase "Lord, have mercy", or a variant on it, as a refrain as the second line of the couplet or last line of the quatrain. In less strict usage, other phrases, and sometimes single words, are used as the refrain. Each line within the poem consists of only eight syllables. There is no limit to the number of stanzas a Kyrielle may have, but three is considered the accepted minimum.

Reviews

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Reads more like a hymn....but I see with your explanation what is a kyrielle...thanks for the enlighten words at this verse...and the dedication for which it was meant...the way it reads sounds as if I was at church and going about the lines with the congregation...

[B.S. Scarpa]

This is one of my favorite poems of yours. It speaks volumes, it has hope....

[jennifer little]

love it hey review my work see what ive done

[Hoosier Belle]

Hope it's okay for me to say "AMEN!" This is one wonderful write. The last two lines just stand on their own. Love this. So true and wonderful. Appreciate the insight!

[Boldpen]

I'm speechless.
Extremely beautiful and heartfelt write.
Soldiers do keep their lives at stake and bravely sacrifice their own self for their country.
Truly written. Great job.

[Priscilla Sayers]

A very special poem. It gives honor and strength.
A beautiful tribute.