of the Canteen walls,
for our men and women at war.
Folks from far and distant lands arrive
dark for us light for them
to the other way around again.
We light the candles and place the fire
we gave the order to the guard, WELCOME ALL
who've worn the cloak of defense on their arm.
Offer drink to sup and food to sustain the body
the warmth of laughter ringing round the corridors
Merry voices echo down from towers high above
a genteel feeling filters down, while we here don't tarry
in the offer of friendship sound,
with honest kinship on the hand offered
at the gate.
