A New Year's Prayer
Another New Years Day has come, The old has passed away And what it has in store for us Is more than we can say. Last year we hoped as we do now Before the same was o'er That we would hear glad news of peace And war would be no more. But still today - our aching hearts For many are in tears; For the rumble of war swells o'er our land As it has for the past three years. We can't forget that last New Year Some of our boys were home; Since then we've had to part, and they Have sailed across the foam. Those daring boys have left our side And crossed the foaming main; God only knows if ever we Will meet on earth again. 'Tis but too true that some of them Have fallen in the fight They bravely fought to help the cause Of liberty and right. They left their homes and friends so dear Their country for to save And now we know not where they lie Except an unmarked grave. Some others are in the hospital On beds of suffering lies Reveal tyself, O God of love Before their closing eyes. And soon we hope that peace will be Proclaimed throughout our land And all, or some of our dear boys Come back to Newfoundland. 'Twill be a happy day for all When cannons cease to roar To see returning soldiers come To their own native shore. Fond mothers will embrace their sons, Sweethearts will love again And peace and joy will be once more As long as they remain. So let us then our hopes renew For, ere this year is o'er That love may take the place of hate And war will be no more. Written (but never before published) in 1917, at the age of 18 by; Mrs. Alfred Pike Charleston, B.B.
Last Modified: Friday, 06-Aug-2010 11:42:54 NDT