A Sentry's Prayer

Lord, watch over me this night As I guard my soldiers as they sleep. Overhead, the stars are sharp and bright, And the sky is clear and dark, and deep. For I know that they depend on me As I know that I depend on You. Keep my heart awake that I might know Out here among the foe That You are watching too. Tonight the breeze is from the east. There's a hint of jasmine in the air. Tomorrow is the village feast, And I know the enemy is there. Oh God, we're very far from home. We are shepherds guarding foreign sheep. There are wolves about! Don't let them come! Oh God, don't let me fall asleep! Help me watch. Bring us safely home. The dark is deepest now, the dawn Is waiting just beyond the hill. My eyes are heavy, I watch on. The air is sharp and cold and still. I see my son's small shining face And I long to watch him step and grow. Here I am in this dark place Watching people I will never know. Sometimes I wonder why we're here. It seems it's someone else's fight. And God,I cannot shake the fear. But look! it's starting to grow light. We made it through another night. We made it. And I know we'll be all right.