From a Military Man

Horowhenua Chronicle, 21 October 1915, Page 2

From a Military Man

HhS ODES TO THE SHIRKERS.

Mtisn, tlioe gentle shirkei , sleep In they nest t>o warm; Foes from thee I'll strive bo keep; Sleep thee fear no harm. Not far off the guns are mumbling, Homes and ancient temples tumbling; t't.ill J/f] guard thee sweet civilian, Thou and that refraining million, Though the icy night winds chUTe What care 1 i'f thou sleep safe"? Hush, Hush!

Let no dreams thy rest disturb Aβ to landing Huns; We will keep them on tlie curb, Guard you from their guns; Let no foolish dreams ol duty Mar thy sleep and -spoil they beauty, Mush! think not of the Bolgianl Thou has only to play to-morrow. LU'iv in mud and rain 1 tread Thanking heaven thou are safe in bed, Hush. Hush!

iUigry clouds tho heavens rake; I'm bo filled with fear Ltst tiliou should perchance awake! Awake and volunteer I! Pretty one so sweetly snoring, Thy strong hands weren't made for warring; They wore meant to tsmjte together At the goaling of the leather; And thou 'hast a sweetheart true, Some ol us have sweethearts, too; Still that.-need nob thee upset Slumber on my pretty pet; Hush, Hush! Chilly dawn once propelled Jsy Time's hoar flees hub Shows lair — still installed Sale thy pub and clubl For thy health groat moii are- blooding;

Heroes drown to keep thee feeding; Par and plebeian lines are giving, .Much as they, like thee., love living; Sportsmen die to .stay tlie Hun, Athletes die Jest through the poles Black Maria shoots some goals; Blood jiais fast lest homes they totter, Sleep on sweetly, hopeless rotter 1 GUNNER STANLEY E. WEST.