21 June 2012

A Salute to Compassion's Soldiers

They are soldiers of compassion
on the front lines of despair
and they're armed with love and mercy
with an aim to truly care.

They're a band of brothers, sisters
marching to a different drum,
making music with their efforts,
giving hope to helpless ones.

They are General Booth's descendants
with a uniform desire
to reach out just like their Savior
to the poor, displaced and tired.

Each an officer and servant,
leading as they stoop to serve
those who long to start all over
but who lack the means and nerve.

A-hundred-twenty-five great years
in the City by the Sound
have seen this Army brave the odds
while slowly gaining ground.

With soap and soup and saving grace
these soldiers still fight on
convinced compassion always wins
although the war is long.

So on this anniversary
we celebrate their feat...
bringing dignity to broken lives,
giving Faith both hands and feet.

by Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos
Mercer Island, WA

Written for The Salvation Army, in honor of its 125th Anniversary in King County, WA; 2012