Posted on by kimhaynesjohnson

Four Chaplains Roundel Poem – Stafford Challenge Day 21

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The first Sunday in February is set aside across our nation to honor the Four Chaplains. I attended a service this past weekend to remember them and to honor their greatest sacrifice. Today’s poem is a roundel. 

Four Chaplains Roundel 

USS Dorchester torpedo attack
four chaplains lost at sea~
knew they wouldn't make it back
serving God on bended knee

price of freedom isn't free
singing hymns in arm-locked pack
Nearer My God To Thee

gentle souls in night so black~
beams for all of us to see
faith, not fear, on Heaven's track
serving God on bended knee

12 Replies to “Four Chaplains Roundel Poem – Stafford Challenge Day 21”

  3. Kim, I’m glad you offered some context here. I saw your poem in the FB group. I haven’t posted there for a variety of reasons. For me the rounded standard is “Jenny Kissed Me” and your poem hits the mark.

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  6. Oh, Kim, what a powerful poem and story. I had not heard of the four chaplains until I read your post and the accompanying story. My husband knew the story, as Chaplain Poling was in our denomination. How did I miss it? I love the details about the gloves and life vests that the survivors were able to convey. But so many hundreds lost. What a sad story. They were “gentle souls.” Thanks for sharing their story.

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    1. Denise, our community holds a Four Chaplains service each year, and we always go to it. They did it differently this year – – they had service men read the stories of the chaplains from their perspectives, and it was quite moving.

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