To a Prisoner of War

To a Prisoner of War

Poem about prisoners of war.

One newspaper cutting

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NMadgettHR190610-09

To a PRISONER OF WAR

Yours is the hardest test of all to bear.

You were a runner, pressing towards the goal:

Your pulses leaping with that ardent joy

Born of fulfilment gloriously near.

-With one cruel stroke, the shining accolade

So dearly coveted, so nearly won,

Was lost, before the achievement was attained.

And now, you stand aside and grimly wait,

Patience your sword, and fortitude your shield.

High courage leaps to meet hard circumstance.

Swift and answering as the eagle’s flight,

Our thoughts speed to you, on the wings of prayer.

For you, we strive through blood and toil and tears,

Fight still more valiantly, work harder yet,

For loyalty to you defies despair.

Deep as out trust in God, our pride in you.

COURAGE! The dawn is breaking for the free.

The invincible tide sweeps on to Victory.

-H. TREVELYAN-THOMSON