'Round the narrow path we're turning;
Tho it's early morning, yet.
Down the sun is fiercely burning—
Bringing out the drops of sweat!
Where the tropic trees are shading
Out the sunlight overhead
Leggings, shoes and all, we're wading
Thru a shallow river-bed.
You can hear the bamboo cracking
Underneath our heavy tread,
While the forest trails we're tackling—
Following, where we are lead.
You have got to be a Hiker
To keep up with these Marines,
Not a big four-flush or piker—
Hiking in the Philippines!
Where the big mangoes are growing,
We have halted—Stacking Arms,
Far away, a rooster's crowing
On one of the native farms.
Under branches of big palm trees,
We are resting easy now—
Welcoming the cooling sea breeze
While we're waiting for our Chow.
Plainest fare is a fiesta
When you've Hiked for half a day;
And a little noon siesta
Helps to pass the time away!
Like a ribbon all unraveled
Starts the line at half past two,
There are new trails to be traveled
Back to old Olongapo!
THE MOUNTAIN BATTERY SONG
1.