A Trooper's Soliloquy
By O.C.A. CHILD
'Tis very peaceful by our place the now!
Aye, Mary's home from school—the little toad—
And Jeck is likely bringing in the cow,
Away from pasture, down the hillside road.
Now Nancy, I'll be bound, is brewing tea!
She's humming at her work the way she will,
And, happen so, she maybe thinks of me
And wishes she'd another cup to fill.
'Tis very queer to sit here on this nag
And swing this bit o' blade within my hand—
To keep my eye upon that German flag
And wonder will they run or will they stand;
To watch their Uhlans forming up below,
And feel a queersome way that's like to fear;
To hope to God that I won't make a show,
And that my throat is not too dry to cheer;
To close my eyes a breath and say "God bless
And keep all safe at home, and aid us win,"
Then straighten as the bugle sounds "Right, Dress...."
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! We're going in!