My shoulders ache beneath my pack
(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back)
I march with feet that burn and smart
(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart)
Men shout at me who may not speak
(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek)
I may not lift a hand to clear
My eyes of salty drops that sear.
(Then shall my fickle soul forget
Thy Agony of Bloody Sweat)
My rifle hand is stiff and numb
(From Thy pierced palm red rivers come)
Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me
Than all the hosts of land and sea.
So, let me render back again
This millionth of Thy gift. Amen
----
A SAS Soldier's Prayer
I bring this prayer to You, Lord
For You alone can give
What one cannot demand from oneself.
Give me, Lord, what you have left over,
Give me what no-one ever asks You for.
I don't ask You for rest,
Or quiet,
Whether of soul or body;
I don't ask You for wealth,
Nor for success, nor even health perhaps.
That sort of thing You get asked for so much
That You can't have any of it left.
Give me, Lord, what you have left over,
Give me what no-one wants from you.
I want insecurity, strife,
And I want You to give me these
Once and for all.
So that I can be sure of having them always,
Since I shall not always have the courage
To ask You for them.
Give me, Lord, what You have left over,
Give me what others want nothing to do with.
But give me courage too,
And strength and faith;
For You alone can give
What one cannot demand from oneself.
- Lt. Andre Zirnheld, SAS, died in battle July 26, 1941, this was found in his uniform.
If and when we win the coming war, you will be secure and free- made so by men better than yourself. I hope you enjoy it- but not for VERY long!