BROKEN RANKS.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 26, 10 September 1920, Page 1

BROKEN RANKS.

(By Gerardy).

Far scattered are those ranks which war has massed ! In smgle file, across the buffet floor, Then ushered swiftly through its open door, Survivors from the battle-front have passed To face the welcome world; and they are parted, Some worn and listless, other joyoushearted. Ah, they have gone their strange, unchallenged ways ! The rnen who made the pace — the staid and steady, Whose aim was true, whose steel was ever ready To hold a battered line for ghastly days. The men who saddled up, and madly thundered Down alien streets, whose reeking shops they plitndered. And there were some hard-doers long ago, Who sent their pealing laughter down the ranks, Till every Digger giggled at their pranks, And winter days withheld their tales of woe : But these have not returned. Lips ripe for kissing Turned not to welcome them — for they were missing. 4 N They took abroad their mirtli on crowded ships, Agog with devilment, they headlong strode To m.oet their fate beside the crippled lips. In groaning wards we've often seen them lying, Springing some first-rate jokes while they were dying. They were the buttresses of their platoon, The firra foimdations of its fighting strength ; And when a bleeding comrade sprawled full-length, They served his last request. By gtar and moon, From (iawn till dusk their lives were nobly given. . . Far scattered are those ranks which war iias riven !