A Soldiers' Conversion

These lines were found in the possession of numerous boys who fell on the battlefields of WWII. This hunger for the eternal, this hunger and this hope that we long for, is expressed by Frances Angermayer, who wrote these words in Kansas City, June 3rd, 1943;

Look, God, I have never spoken to You.
But now -- I want to say, "how do you do."
You see, God, they told me You didn't exist.
And like a fool -- I believed all of this.

Last night from a shell-hole I saw Your sky --
I figured right then, they had told me a lie.
Had I taken time to see the things You made,
I'd known they weren't calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if You'd shake my hand.
Somehow -- I feel that You will understand.
Funny, -- I had to come to this hellish place,
Before I had the time to see Your Face.

Well, I guess there isn't much more to say.
But I'm sure glad, God, I met You today.
I guess the "zero hour" will soon be here.
But I'm not afraid since I know You're near.

The signal! -- Well, God, -- I'll have to go.
I like You lots. -- This I want You to know.
Look, now -- this will be a horrible fight.
Who knows -- I may come to Your house tonight.

Though I wasn't friendly with You before
I wonder, God -- if You'd wait at Your Door.
Look -- I'm crying!  Me!  -- Shedding tears!
I wish I'd known You these many years.

Well, I will have to go now, God -- goodbye.
Strange -- since I met You -- I'm not afraid to die.