Seager, Alexandrina – February 1915
Is it fair?
Life’s not a blaze of glory, waiting there in Oakland’s dust,
And waiting is a weary game at best;
But those who dare not question – simply take it all on trust –
It is infinitely worse than for the rest
They’re exchanging tweeds for khaki – what that means, ah! Stop and think
Of its deep significance to you and me,
And if, when up in town, an odd man takes too much to drink.
Then before you rush to judgement – ‘Bide a wee’
He’s not alone in that respect; of others there’s no lack
Outside the camp, with just as keen a thirst;
And you who, while the Empire calls, are hanging meanly back,
Judge the soldier if you will – but yourselves first.
What have we done to help him who may, ‘ere the year is out,
Give his heart’s blood for our country manfully?
Then let us all before we loud in condemnation shout.
Just ask ourselves this questions ‘What do we?’
February 17th, 1915
