Canadian Singers and Their Songs/John Daniel Logan
JOHN DANIEL LOGAN, PH.D.
SERGEANT IN 85TH BATTALION NOVA SCOTIA HIGHLANDERS, C.E.F.
AUTHOR OF "INSULTERS OF DEATH AND OTHER POEMS OF THE GREAT DEPARTURE,"
"THE NEW APOCALYPSE AND OTHER POEMS OF DAYS AND DEEDS
IN FRANCE," ETC.
A Soldier’s Shrines
Two secret shrines there are for me:
The one a wayside calvary,
Low-canopied by fir and pine
And thither oft I steal away,
Kneel penitent & pray
Christ grants forgiveness, free, divine;
And Mary Virgin, grace benign;
And John his tender charity.
O welcome wayside calvary,
O calm, secluded shrine,
O sweet retreat of mine,
Whose holy peace brings blissful eucrasy!
Another shrine for me there is,
Recessed, inviolate, within
The ruby chamber of my Love’s pure heart;
And only I, her devoter, I wis,
May duly enter in,
And supplicate & worship there apart.
Before her dear remembered Image now,
Unworthy worshiper, I bow:
Her winsome graces are my Creed;
Her low, meek speech, my Litany:
Her tender thoughts, my Rosary
And her 'Absolvo te,' my strength—for holier deed
O Heart of Mine, O Heart of Mine,
Whos secret chamber is my constant shrine!
France, Ap. 1917J.D. Logan