If he should meet a mother there <br /> Along some winding Flanders road, <br /> No extra touch of grief or care <br /> He'll add unto her heavy load. <br /> But he will kindly take her arm <br /> And tender as her son will be; <br /> He'll lead her from the path of harm <br /> Because of me. <br /> <br /> Be she the mother of his foe, <br /> He will not speak to her in hate; <br /> My boy will never stoop so low <br /> As motherhood to desecrate. <br /> But she shall know what once I knew- <br /> Eyes that are glorious to see, <br /> The light of manhood shining through- <br /> Because of me. <br /> <br /> He will salute her as they meet, <br /> And stand before her bare of head; <br /> If she be hungry, she may eat <br /> His last remaining bit of bread. <br /> She'll find those splendid arms and strong <br /> Quick to assist her, tenderly, <br /> And they will guard her from all wrong <br /> Because of me. <br /> <br /> I miss his thoughtful, loving care; <br /> I miss his smile these dreary days; <br /> But should he meet a mother there, <br /> Helpless and lost in war's grim maze, <br /> She need not fear to take his arm, <br /> As though she'd reared him at her knee; <br /> My son will shield her from all harm <br /> Because of me.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/he-should-meet-a-mother-there/
