A French boy aviator above the

fields of France,

Gave chase in battle and brought

down a Zeppelin, by chance,

And as the wounded German boy

looked up in deep despair,

He handed him his bible and a lock

of mother's hair,

And he said, "I'll never see my home

and my dear native land,

In the Bible is my mother's prayer,

please read, you'll understand,"

The French boy took the Bible and

he found these words within,

"My last boy I am sending forth to

battle, 'Baby Jim,'

My oldest boy went forth to fight, it

was the first advance.

He met the enemy and died on the

battlefield of France,

My second boy I then sent out, my

Frederick, brave and grand,

He ne'er returned, but bravely died

for home and Fatherland,

My baby Jim, my last support, Oh,

Father, may it be,

That when at last the world has

peace, he'll return to me,

So son, remember how they strove to

ever stand the test,

And in all things whate'er betide,

they ever did their best,

Be brave and strong in battle as

you've been kind to me,

And may our Father guard you, this

is thy mother's plea."

As the French boy read this message,

his heart was filled with love

For the mother that could give her all

and trust to One above,

 
To guard him and though painful, a

task before him lay,

To tell the death of that last son to

the mother, far away.

That 'twas bis hand that brought him

down, he knew she'd understand,

That he was fighting also for his own

dear native land.

But not for mother, she had died so

many years ago, crave, she never could bestow,

"Forgive me 'twas my duty as it was

the chance of strife,

And I am left to mourn the deed and

offer you my life,

To guard you ever and to be your

staff when war is done,

If I can be of comfort, please com-

mand me as your son."

The answer came "Please come to me

and be my son in place

Of those I lost in battle, for I long

to see your face,

And caress you as I would my own

for you are not to blame.

War's chances lay between you, 'twas

war my son has slain.

And you are free to come to me, I'm

waiting here for you

And you'll receive a welcome that is

loyal, kind and true.

I'll be a mother to you and you can

be my own,

And peace and joy may come to us

in a little love built home,

No more of battle may we know

when world's wide peace is
given

We'll all be one grand brotherhood

with one Father, hope and
heaven."

^__Nettie Squire Sutton.