THE SOLDIERS' KISS.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 231, 1 December 1916, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE SOLDIERS' KISS.

(Descriptive of an actual incident on the road to a. batery position in Southera Flanders). Only a dying horse! Pull off the gear-, And slip the needless bit from frothing jaws. Drag it aside leave the roadway clear— The battery thunders on with scarce a pause. Prone by the shell-swept highway there it lies With quivering limbs, as fast the life tide fails; Dark films are closing o'er tho faithful eyes That mutely plead for air where none avails. Onward the battery rolls, but one there speeds, Heedless of comrade's voice or bursting shell, Back to a wounded friend who lonely bleeds Beside the stony highway where it fell. Only a dying horse! He swiftly kneels, Lifts tho limp head and hears the shivering sigh, Kisses his friend, while down his cheek there steals Sweet Pity's tear Good-bye, old man, goodbye. No honours wait him. medal, badge, or star. Though scarce could war a kindlier deed unfold; He bears within his breast, more precious far Beyond the gifts of *nigs, ftienrt ot gold. —HENRY CHAPPELL. (A poem published in the '"Sunday Pictorial" illustrative of Signer F. Mantani-i's well-known picture, "The Soldiers' Kiss." The author is a Bnth railway porter.)