THE WAR BABY.

Taihape Daily Times, 31 October 1917, Page 2

THE WAR BABY.

' (By Jack Vincent.) Into this universe, and why, not know

mg, I come, like water—willy-nilly flowing.

—Omar Khayam. In this stuffy old cradle they hide me, They rock me and sing me to sleep, With a nice stretch of carpet beside me, Just when I’m inclined for a creep. They think that a baby knows nuffin’ — A bundle of “goo-goo” and screech; Just a plaything for kissin ’ and stuffin ’ And shovin’ things out of his reach. .But I can’tesplain matters to mummy, Because I’m not able to talk, So I argue the point wif my dummy — I3ut, wait till I’m able to walk. My poor Dad I have never set eyes on (A gentleman dressed in khaki), May out somewhere beyond the horizon. He’s fighting for mummy and mo. 80 I try to console my poor mummy, ■ Her tears on my face they fall hot; Then I kiss her and offer my dummy—- ■ The only consoler I’ve got. But, some day he’ll blow, in a hurry, From some-whore across the big sea; And when Mum has got over her flurry Perhaps she will introduce me. Well, I s ’pose, I will have to endure him;

Thej’ - say ho is loving and kind — If he dares to love Mum, I assure him I’ll give him a piece of my mind! Hollo! What’s all this row on the v Tandah?

They think that this kid is asleep! Such simplicity raises my dander — I’ll stand on my pillow and peep. Oh! a big hairy fellow on crutches! He looks like a big teddyrbear. He has got my mamma in his clutches,

And kissin ’ her face and her hair! My poor mummy is laughing and cry-

ing. Aunt Jane is beginning to howl, And the teddy, his eyelids is drying— I think I will set up a yowl. Oh! I’ve brought the whole pack down upon me!

The "teddy bear” hopping behind — And his watery eyes are fired on me, While mummy, she don’t seem to mind!

Oh! blue murder! the teddy bear’s nabbed me! He’s lifted me up to his face. He just hopped to the cradle and grabbed me; Oh, dear! I’m afraid it’s a case! And. oh! horror! he’s going to kiss me!

Oh, mummy, do rescue me now! Oh! auntie! will no one assls’ me? He’s going to ki-yi-yah-yow!