ORIGINAL VERSE.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 May 1916, Page 6

ORIGINAL VERSE.

A VOICE FROM THE SHIRKERS. Vcs, all are now of Anzac breed, And all united in oiio mind; We did not join the troops; indeed Wo bad too many faults to find; •Easily, (iov'iiiont to blame you will say, Well, we weren't asked in the properest way! Heroes the Anzacs are—'tis clear Tlie air is full of cheerful praise. How wrong; this is will soon appear, Our world lias got a n't of craze; Quite sufficient it is when we declare Greater—grander—the deeds had we been there! So, gentlemen have proved the Turks, Different from the German "frights," Men should be valued by their works, Men do set value on their rights, The critics a lot of common workers Whc left behind the bravest—the shirkers! We, the croatn of the Anzae race, Our hearts are strong, our nerves "are steel, In attitude there's not a trace Of the bitter contempt we feel For the men who simply did their duty— Never regarded as things of beauty. There's folk who think us rather mean, "Our souls are soaked in love of gain," But, you antl I, a word between, We do not covet death or pain, . And we love soft beds and sprightly wenches, We, have no desire for damn, damp trenches! . The desk, plough, bench, or the counter Possibly to the front may send A difficulty surmounter, But what the good if in the end Ho has no money and no good manners? No, not with such under any banners! There's Tompkins, he has Tost his boy, That's bad. You will answer rather! Of, course, I'd join the troops with joy But some thought have T for father. I cannot think what dear old Dad would Mo If I came back without a leg or twol' Just one word in this relationTake it from us for what its worth— What is due to education, What to profession, station, birth? Sure, he has no soul who straight refuses To list to reasonable excuses! Of course we'll go, when we're compelled, And then you'll see the rarest lot That human eyes have e'er beheld Tho Gov'ment in its mesh have caught In time you will know how bright our star is When, with glory, we have, captured, rarisl' , JAMES IZETT. ■'' Wellington, Hay 15,.1010. :