FROM THE DECK OF A TRANSPORT

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 39, 10 December 1920, Page 1

FROM THE DECK OF A TRANSPORT

(By Margaret E. Sangster).

(A RETURN1NG SOLDIER SPEAKS).

I am coming back with a singing soul through the surge of the splendid sea, Coming back to the land called home, and the love that used to he ; I am coming back through a flash of spray, through a conquered temptest's hum, , I ain coming back, I am coming back. . but, Gocl 1 do I want to come : I have lieard the shriek of the shrapnel speak to the dawn of a flaming day, And a growling gun when the figiit was won and the twilight flickered grav ; I have seen men die with their chins raised high, and a curse that was half a pcayer ; I have fought alone when a comrade's groan was tense on the blinding air. I have tramped a road when a hurning load was strapped to my aching back, Through miles of mua that was streaked with blood, when my clo-sing eyes turned back ; I have cried aloud to a lieeaiess crowd oi a God that they could not know, And have knelt at night when the way was bright with a rocket's sullen glow. I am coming home through the whirling foam — home to her arms stretched wide ; I am coming back to the beaten track and the sheltered fireside. With gasping breath, I liave sncered at death, and have mocked at a shell's swift rvhirr, And safe a.gain, through the years of pain, I am coming back — to her! I am coming back with a singing soul through the surge of the splendid sea ; Coming back— but my singing soul will never quite be {reef For I have killed, and iny heart has thrilled to the call of the battle hum. I am coming back to the used-to-be— but, God! do 1 want to come?