The Circle of Affection and Other Pieces in Prose and Verse

by Duncan Campbell Scott

 

HYMN FOR THOSE IN THE AIR

To the Royal Canadian Air Force

 
ETERNAL FATHER by Whose Might
        The firmament was planned,
Who set the stars their paths of light
        Who made the sea and land,
Thou Who art far yet near,
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        In the bright Now and Here,
And where the Void is sleeping,
        Take them who dare to fly
Into Thy keeping.

Guide them who move through dark and cloud
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        Parting the pathless sky,
Sustain them when the storm is loud
        Till night and storm are by;
Driving through snow and sleet
        When wild the head-winds beat,
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Thy sovereign Will commanding,
        Bring them who dare to fly
To a safe landing.

Lead them who, dauntless, mount the height
        Of the embattled air,
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Through piercing shell, through searching light,
        Hold and be with them there;
Keep them in life or death
        Mindful of One Who saith,
Where the wild birds shall gather
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Not the least sparrow falls
        Without the Father.

Lift up the souls who yet aspire
        To move within Thy Will,
Who rise above the World’s desire,
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        Foiled but unconquered still,
Triumphant in Thy Might,
        Gather them into Light,
The Valiant who have striven,
        Winged with Immortal Joy
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Into Thy Heaven.