A QUESTION.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 59, 21 July 1915, Page 4

A QUESTION.

As we read the rail of honour In each paper we receive; How our hearts ache for that hero Far from home and them that grieve. Far away on fields of battl j , Dying as a man should die, Facing shrapnel, bombs and gasscß With a brave, unflinching eye. Fighting in the sickenicg trenches, Starving on the weary iramp, Breathing battles deadly stenches From the trench, and bush and camp. Will this damp our solJi.rs' ardour? Will it hush his battle cry? Nay! bis cour»ge stands undaunted; I'atriots e'er will nobly die. Mothers, in your homes of comfort, Do you urge your sons t« go? To repress the brutal carnege Of our great and mighty foe? Sweethearts do you tell your lover That his place is at your side? Can you care for and respect him? Can jou be his cherished bride? If he's lurking in the ramparts, Dodgirg war's tempestuous fight, Do you urge his loving presence, Keep him from his path of Right? Oh, how many Belgian mothers Sent their sons forth to Ihe fray, While our nation strapped her armour, Thu3 they held our foes at bay. And how many Belgian sweethearts Saw their lovers nobly die. It was not their choice to spare them, Not their choice to question why. Now their Nation cry is help us Save us, Starving! from our foes. While they're falling by che wayside Should we claim our sate repose? Can a healthy individual Call himself a proper man If he shirks his nation's summons? God forgive him (if he can), I had rather be a soldier In the dangerous war zone sphere, Not a shirker from my duty When that duty's been made clear. Wife or mother, maid or sinter Has no right to stop you. No! Where your country is endangered 'Tis your bounded right to go. Do not let love's voice dissuade you; Country first! mii:t be your cry If that country's needs should claim you Go and like a hero die. —Anonymous.