Joyce Kilmer served in WWI when he wrote this poem. He compared the suffering of American soldiers in France with the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross. The poem clearly shows that the suffering could not possibly measure up to the cross. I have included a portion of the traditional Latin text from the Stabat Mater which describes the emotions of Mary watching her son die on the cross. The piece is for soloist, SATB choir, and pipe organ. Performed by First Readings Project, Andrew Kane, soloist, David Moore, conductor. ©2018