Within the broken Vatican <br /> The murdered Pope is lying dead. <br />The soldiers of Valerian <br /> Their evil hands are wet and red. <br /> <br />Unarmed, unmoved, St. Laurence waits, <br /> His cassock is his only mail. <br />The troops of Hell have burst the gates, <br /> But Christ is Lord, He shall prevail. <br /> <br />They have encompassed him with steel, <br /> They spit upon his gentle face, <br />He smiles and bleeds, nor will reveal <br /> The Church's hidden treasure-place. <br /> <br />Ah, faithful steward, worthy knight, <br /> Well hast thou done. Behold thy fee! <br />Since thou hast fought the goodly fight <br /> A martyr's death is fixed for thee. <br /> <br />St. Laurence, pray for us to bear <br /> The faith which glorifies thy name. <br />St. Laurence, pray for us to share <br /> The wounds of Love's consuming flame.<br /><br />Joyce Kilmer<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/st-laurence/
