A DIGGER’S PRAYER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2752, 1 July 1924, Page 4

A DIGGER’S PRAYER.

“LANDLESS,” in the depths of despair, pens the following, which was published in a Northern Contemporary: O Dear Lord tell me what I've done That 1 should sutler tlm- — The war is over and was won, So, now, why all this t'u-s. When first the cry of war rang out, 1 volunteered to go; And never had man heart so stout, As when I faced the foe. I've lived in trenches full of mud, Exposed to snow and rain, When every creek rain red with blood From the deadly battle plain. O Lord, who saved me from my fate Forgive me for my sin. Although thou opened Heaven’s gate I dared not venture in. When peace was signed 1 came back home — () Lord, spare me from harm, I settled down, ami ceased to roam, Upon a Massey farm.

It’s alright for these editors To praise for what we’ve done; But now I’m lighting creditors, With neither sword nor gun. At first they came in single file, .So few and far between, And then in mass formation, ’Till they seized my cheques lor cream. The policeman is the rural man, The man the digger hates; I-fe comes along thrice weekly With the summonses for rates. A moment's rest T can afford, My interest’s miles ahead. I’ve always that Damocles’ sword Still hovering o’er my head At lirst T thought we’d won the war, Hut now I (ind I’m wrong. Whilst doctor’s I rent my warmaimed frame, A linn invades my farm. 0 Lord, if Thou wilt guard me not, .lust kindly let me know, I’ll leave old Herman Hun the lot. And seek refuge down below.