“SING ME TO SLEEP”

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5501, 18 June 1917, Page 1

“SING ME TO SLEEP”

(These rugged 'verses (by a “Returned Trooper”), in which the metre and sentiment are a little mixed, were printed recently and offered to the public at Gd a copy by a man who was apparently a returned soldier. As he announced that the effort was “in aid of a sick soldier,” he brought himself within the pale of the War Funds Act, and as he had not obtained a permit the soliciting of sixpences was interrupted.) Sing me to sleep in some old shed While all at home are snug in bed, Stretched out upon my waterproof, Dodging the raindrops through the roo f. Sing me to sleep where bombs explode And shrapnel shells plough up the road, Over the sandbags helmets you’ll find. Wounded in front of you, wounded behind. Far, far from France 1 want to be, Sights of Ne\v Zealand I’d rather see. Think of me crouching in min and sleet Waiting for orders, but not for retreat. Sing me to sleep, where bullets fall, Let me forget the war and all, Damp, too, my dug-out, cold my feet, Nothing but bully and biscuits to eat.