The Sentry's Lullaby to a Shirker

Huntly Press and District Gazette, Volume 4, 26 November 1915, Page 3

The Sentry's Lullaby to a Shirker

Hush thee, gentle shirker, sleep In they nest so warm: Foes from thee I’ll try to keep : Sleep thee, fear no harm. Not far off the guns are mumbling, Homes and ancient temples tumbling; Still I guard thee, sweet civilian. Thou and that refraining million, Though the icy night winds chafe, What care I since thou sleep safe? Hush ! Hush! Let no dreams thj r rest disturb, As to landing Huns ; We will keep them on the curb, Guard thee from their guns. Let no foolish dream of duty Mar thy sleep and spoil thy beauty. Hush! Think not of Belgium’s sorrow — Thou hast golf to play to-morrow, Here in mud and rain I tread Thanking Heav’n thou’rt safe in bed. Hush! Hush! Angry clouds the heavens rake: I’m so chilled with fear Lest thou should’st perchance awake — Wake and volunteer! Pretty one so sweetly snoring, Thy strong hands weren’t meant for warring, They were meant to smite together At the goaling of the leather; And thou hast a sweetheart time— Some of us have sweethearts too — Still that need not thee upset ; Slumber on, my pretty pet. Hush! Hush! Chilly dawn, once more propelled By Time’s heartless hub, Shows fair England still unshelled — Safe, thy pub and Club. For thy health great men are bleeding, Heroes drown to keep thee feeding: Peer and Plebian lives are giving, Much as they, like thee, love living. Sportsmen die to stay the Hun, Holding such as thee “ in one.” “ Athletes die ” last through the poles Black Maria shoots some goals. Blood runs fast lest thy home totter — Sleep on sweetly, hopeless rotter. GUNNER STANLEY C. WEST, R.F.A.