<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">A Mother's Dedication</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Dear</span> son of mine, the baby days are over,</p><p class="line">I can no longer shield you from the earth;</p><p class="line">Yet in my heart always I must remember</p><p class="line">How through the dark I fought to give you birth.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Dear son of mine, by all the lives behind you;</p><p class="line">By all our fathers fought for in the past;</p><p class="line">In this great war to which your birth has brought you,</p><p class="line">Acquit you well, hold you our honour fast!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">God guard you, son of mine, where'er you wander;</p><p class="line">God lead the banners under which you fight;</p><p class="line">You are my all, I give you to the Nation,</p><p class="line">God shall uphold you that you fight aright.</p></div><p class="byline">Margaret Peterson</p></body></html> · Great War