[A short note that Johan O. Smith wrote for his 13-year-old son, Christmas Eve 1917.]

To Kristian

Dear Kristian, you who carry on the family name,
Oh, set your course, now: make heaven’s port your aim,
Where your father’s father his anchor has placed;
Use the gifts, heart, and mind with which you are graced.
Have the Sword at your side in all you speak and write;
For righteousness strive—for the afflicted fight;
With strength from above, a comfort for them be,
As you bend down the neck of the enemy.
From your Papa,

Johan O. Smith