Before the Battle

 Music of whispering trees 
Hushed by a broad-winged breeze 
Where shaken water gleams; 
And evening radiance falling 
With reedy bird-notes calling.
O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams. 

I have no need to pray 
That fear may pass away; 
I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight 
That summons me from cool
Silence of marsh and pool 
And yellow lilies is landed in light 
O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.

Form: Lyric Comments

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace