THE MAN WHO WOULDN'T WHEN HE COULD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2943, 1 December 1916, Page 5

THE MAN WHO WOULDN'T WHEN HE COULD

I didn't raise a musket to'my shoulder, I didn't oven figure in tho fight, I left it to the better men, and bolder, I know, of course, that they would be all right; I watched the crowds of other fellows leaving, ' I cheered 'em loudly steaming out to sea — A most inspiring sight: blood of OUR blood going to fight. But I overlooked the fact they wanted "ME." I wonder if, in'after years, I'll derAs the younger generations come along— On the splendid work we "all" did over yonder— "WE ALL DID!" No,, you'll pardon me, I'm wrong: And the truth will strike nie harder when I'm older. If I have to tell the youngsters at my knee That I didii't raise a muskot to my . shoulder— That among tho sturdy Btay-at-homes was "ME." The thoughts of it will haunt mo then, I reckon — Tho thoughts of it, they haunt mo even now, As the legions of our buried soldiers beckon,' • " Nobly pointing out tho way for us to go. And' it's "ME" younger men. nor older, The call was not tor -smith or Jones —but "ME," ■■ For tho-spirits of tho dead seemed to hover round my head — Seemed to penetrate the future, and to mock me when I said— "I didn't raise a musket to my shoulder." M. P. BAULD.