Poem by Katharine Tynan

A Woman Commends Her Little Son

To the aid of my little son
I call all the magnalities --
Archangel, Dominion,
Powers and Principalities.

Mary without a stain,
Joseph that was her spouse,
All God's women and men,
Out of His glorious House.

The Twelve Apostles by him:
Matthew and Mark and John,
Luke, the Evangelists nigh him,
So he fight not alone.

Patrick, Columcille, Bride --
The Saints of the Irish nation;
Keiran, Kevin beside,
In the death and the desolation.

Listen, ye soldier saints,
Sebastian, Ignatius, Joan,
Be by his side; if he faints,
Strengthen my little son.

In the Side of Christ I lay him,
In the Wound that the spear made;
In the pierced Hands I stay him,
So I am not afraid.

On the knees of the Blessed Mary
And in the fold of her arm,
Refuge and sanctuary
Where he shall take no harm.

To the Wound in the Heart of Christ,
To the Trinity Three in One,
To the Blood spilled out, unpriced,
For love of my little son. 

1. Sheep and Lambs
2. Slow Spring
3. To the Others
4. Turn o' the Year
5. Distraction

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