THANKS FOR THE FLAG

THANKS FOR THE FLAG Victorious Relay of Grace

Thanks for the flag, saints.

You ran once with Him. Touched His clothes.

Placed hands of camaraderie Upon those shoulders.

Saw the lame walk, The outcast relieved, The fretful calmed, The dead raised, The deaf ears opened.

To His message of love And of Father's Constant reaching.

Of the prize in Absorbing the blow; 1

C. Doug Blair, 2011

Going two miles; Listening with grace; Facing the grave.

Proclaiming at hand-off, 'Him, Risen Indeed!'

To other keen runners, In different times, In different struggles, In different climes.

But all with The Spirit and Joy reinforced, To herald the message And finish their course.

The flag still clean.

And true to its purpose.

No never gone stale, Nor broken, nor bested, Nor picayune, nor pale.

Maintaining rich colour, Its drapery white, And crimson its message, 'Begone dreadful night Of death and despairing.

Our Lord makes things right!'

So carry the standard When passed on to you.

Its olive-wood handle So straight and so true.

And look for new runners Who reverence God's Son, Who range to the by-ways As you just have done.

Carry it high, saints.

For soon He will come.

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