Rhymes of the Rookies: Sunny Side of Soldier Service

by W. E. Christian

ADVICE

Better start in soldiering and mind your P's and Q's,
Cut out going absent and ease up on the booze,
Don't kick because, you're on fatigue, but mind what you are about,
For the Summary Court will get you
if
you
don't
watch
out.

Don't go a-missing reveille; and be in bed by check,
Don't buck against the captain, or you'll get it in the neck.
Be sure to turn out promptly when you hear the sergeant shout,
For the Summary Court will get you
if
you
don't
watch
out.

Because you've got some service don't think you know it all,
You'll get your extras just the same if you should miss a call.
Take what they hand you weekly. Don't grumble, frown or pout.
For the Summary Court will get you
if
you
don't
watch
out.

THE SCENT OF THE COCOA

You have heard of the ancient incense;
Of the dew of Hermann you've read;
You have been told of the precious ointment
That poured down on Aaron's head;
But tell me—with all your knowledge,
Your theory, study and toil,
Have you heard of an equal or sequel
To the scent of the cocoanut oil?

At first it is always repulsive,
Makes you gag and back off in despair;
But when you've got the scent of the cocoa,
Just a scent, a mere whiff in the air,
Then you're gone, boy, yes, and forever,
Where'er in this world you may roam;
When you once get the scent of the cocoa
You forget all the precepts of home.

You forget those most noble teachings
Of fortitude, temperance and truth
When you once get the scent of the cocoa.
You're gone, boy, gone and forsooth
Though you try hard and strive to recover,
Pray to God and his angels as well,
If you've once got the scent of the cocoa
You're destined—your future is Hell.

But why should you be predestined
By the scent of an innocent oil?
When you once get the scent of the cocoa
No more can you break from its toil
Than a gambler can break from his ventures,
The drunkard turn away from his rye.
When you once get the scent of the cocoa
The longing is there till you die.

The great world at large doesn't know all,
The guilty ones seldom confess
When you once get the scent of the cocoa
Wafted up from the bright passing dress
That their thoughts are not those of angels
Sweet and pure as the dew of the rose,
That it's not just the scent of the cocoa
But the perquisite that with it goes.