Marching Through the City.

Free Lance, Volume XV, Issue 817, 25 February 1916, Page 22

Marching Through the City.

(For the N.Z. Free Lance.) Here they come, O, how they come! Tramping feet to throbbing drum, From the field and from the town, March the belted boys in brown. Soldiers all, so tough and tall, Ready with the blade and ball, Eyes a-fire with war's desire; Peal the bells from tow'r and. spire ! Sweethearts proud are with the crowd Sighing at the cheering loud, Whilst their "boys" amid the noise "Shoulder arms" at martial poise. Children gay from school or play Wonder why they tramx> away, Wonder why the women cry Though the flags are floating high. Bronz'd and glad parades each lad Past his pater, proud, yet sad — Proud, the shame of shirker's name Never soiled the ram'ly's fame! Partings o'er, tliay glide from, shore, Straining sight to glimpse once more Home and hill (so safe and still) Peaceful, yet the eyes must fill. By the might of all that's right May they win the weary light; Bless each blade and hand-grenade Whirl'd by them in thia Crusade! —"Rongotai " Wellington.