THE RETURN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16450, 11 June 1921, Page 3

THE RETURN.

I vrmst go back to the army— I must go back! I must roll out in the earlv dawn When tlie reveille falls light and clear Down through the flap of my shelter half— And now it will fall ou a welcoming ear. So long- I have seen life is empty, And of late I have understood why: I huddle in pain under twenty floors That ahut cut tho sun and the shy. I who’vo been used to the saddle. To the drill in tlio open field I who liavo crept through the wet, black night. All hooted and spurred and heeled; I who have eaten my baoon Flavoured with band and my horde's hide— I ait in an office tho length of the clay And wonder I haven't gouo stale and died. But I’ve reached the end of my tether—1. have closed tho office door, ’ I’vo pulled down the blind with a lump in my throat— And the office shall see me no more. Give mo a gun and a uniform’ Give mo a horse with a wicked eye! Give me a long, lean sabre. And a throat that ;3 never dry! Give a can cf water— Give me a ration of “ tack ” Show me the trail to tho days of old Ai;d the Army—l must- go back! —Joseph Andrew Galahad