<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">My Son</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Here</span> is his little cambric frock</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">That I laid by in lavender so sweet,</p><p class="line">And here his tiny shoe and sock</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">I made with loving care for his dear feet.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I fold the frock across my breast,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">And in imagination, ah, my sweet,</p><p class="line">Once more I hush my babe to rest,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">And once again I warm those little feet.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Where do those strong young feet now stand?</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">In flooded trench, half numb to cold or pain,</p><p class="line">Or marching through the desert sand</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">To some dread place that they may never gain.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">God guide him and his men to-day!</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Though death may lurk in any tree or hill,</p><p class="line">His brave young spirit is their stay,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Trusting in that they'll follow where he will.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">They love him for his tender heart</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">When poverty or sorrow asks his aid,</p><p class="line">But he must see each do his part --</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Of cowardice alone he is afraid.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I ask no honours on the field,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">That other men have won as brave as he --</p><p class="line">I only pray that God may shield</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">My son, and bring him safely back to me!</p></div><p class="byline">Ada Tyrrell</p></body></html> · Great War