The altar boy...

THE

SACRAMENTAL

SOLDIER

Our General led him to this world,

For eight brief years his time unfurled,

From babe to boy to Soldier soul

A Sacramental Soldier that was his role.

Accepting orders with joy and mirth

This baptized babe white knight on earth,

When boy, with tongue in penanced-prayer,

Took Bread, locked lips to guard God there.

The General chose this Soldier soul,

To show how Christians can die whole,

With Captain fulfilling his holy function,

The priest who brings us Extreme Unction.

And Sacramental Soldier soul,

Five senses all saluted whole,

With Holy Oils by Captain priest,

You marched off to the Banquet Feast.

You left the war at ease in place,

And died in sanctifying grace.

Oh, highly decorated Soldier soul,

Please pray more priests...

To make us whole.