A Hero's Death

Lord, let me die a hero's death I pray.
To meet the sudden blast and never flinch.
And should my company flee in disarray,
to stand my ground and not give up an inch.

Lord, let me die a soldier's death I pray.
Found at my post with weapons near at hand,
while carrying out the orders of the day,
and well prepared to heed the next command.

Lord, let me die a servant's death I pray.
Life spent in service to my fellow man.
Your burden lightly on my shoulders lay,
that I might have a part in God's great plan.

Lord, grant that as I live and die, I may,
Your Holy Will more faithfully obey.

Louis William Rose
December 2000