In preparation for the boys’ state finals rugby game in May 2024, Father Pillari wrote and recited this poem.
From Our Lord’s mighty throne,
With a flash of pure light,
Stern-faced Michael comes forth,
Wings spread wide, taking flight,
To a soldier he calls,
Dread and fierce to behold,
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
While on earth far below,
Wretched demons spew malice,
“Bring them all down to hell,
Destroy priest, Host and chalice!”
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Swooping down from above,
Gilt in shimmering splendor,
Rank ‘on rank of bright angels,
The earth’s chosen defenders,
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Then come swelling their ranks,
Valiant men now made strong,
By the grace of their Master,
Young and old join the throng.
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
To those boys in East Kansas,
His voice rings in the hall,
“Who will join me and fight,
For the great Lord of all?
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Can ye stomach a fight,
As yer limbs scream with pain,
As ye drive through yer foes,
Inch by inch ground to gain?
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Will ye lay down yer lives,
For yer Queen and yer King,
Never slacking yer pace,
Till the angels shall sing,
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
With all heart, mind, and strength,
Push through pain, push through bone,
Fight with virtue and valor,
So that seeds may be sewn,
That tomorrow shall yield,
Men and warriors full grown.”
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Then he says to St. Martin,
“Shall we let arrows fly,
Are these young lads now ready,
To join this battle cry?
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
But their cry’s far too faint,
To face foes deadly vicious,
Are these toddlers or men,
Do they want to fight with us?
Saint Martin, draw your sword!
Michael still looks uncertain,
But he turns to St. Martin,
They’re your troops, can you lead them,
To fight this day like Spartans,
Will their cries ring with courage,
When the battle be startin’?
Saint Martin, draw your sword!