The Meadow Lark

Upon a winding forest road

I met a soldier, far from home

I saw he was my enemy

So I aimed at him and he at me

Prepared was I but loath to shoot

And he, uncertain what to do

A cold sweat formed upon my brow

But we both kept rank and stood our ground

And then a curious thing occurred

On wings arrived a tiny bird

And troubled not by war or peace

She sang for us a melody

I dared not move or look away

Lest my life, my foe would take

Yet in his eyes I saw his fright

Just a boy like me, afraid to die

The meadow lark sang on and on

Then more arrived and joined the song

And as I held my rival's stare

A tremendous chorus filled the air

Then in my heart, as clear as day

I heard a gentle whisper say

"My son, if my disciple be

Show grace and love your enemy"

With swell of birdsong all around

Lowered I, my rifle down

And as my foe took aim at me

I showed him yield on bended knee

He faltered then and shook with fear

And from his eye he wiped a tear

His gaze was as a brother's bond

And then he turned and he was gone

If I should live to see more days

I pray the Lord to guide my ways

With grace to love my enemy

For grace my Savior showed to me

With grace to love my enemy

For grace my Savior showed to me