[2024-11-11] Source of Strength and Soldier's Anthem
Today, I rediscovered Wartime Canada, which provides "a window into the Canadian experience during the world wars." Its aim is "to make the visual heritage of the nation at war freely available in digital form." The site collates greeting cards, poetry, correspondence and cartoons as well as visual records related to music, events and sports.
The poetry section appealed to me, in particular Rhyme and Reason, a compilation of verse by Canadian soldier poets. Two poems stood out for me: the first on the strength that a few words from home could provide a soldier overseas, the second on the hope of a soldier to one day return home to Canada.
Source of Strength
Whence comes our strength to live and fight,
And face monotony of war?
What changes doubtful dawn to light
And gives us will to do yet more?
The choking dust, the burning heat,
The ever-present threat of death;
The stench, the blood, no quiet retreat,
All threaten our desire for breath.
Then comes the balm, the healing cup
To smooth away the lines of hate,
The little note that cheers us up
And tells us 'courage dear, we wait'.
The news from home, those precious lines,
From loved ones many miles away,
Instils our weary, tattered minds
With courage for another day.
— G.H. Adlam
Soldier's Anthem
O Canada, My Canada!
How I long to see your shore
Rise out of the sea, and grow
Till our ship, no longer large,
Slips into your welcome arms.
To feel your soil beneath my feet before
I mount an iron steed, and speed
Across your vast domain
Till I am home again
In Canada, My Canada.
— Jack Semczuk
