"Marching"

Marching, marching,
       On the old-time track;
Soldier song upon my lip,
       Haversack upon my hip,
Pack upon my back;
        Linton on my left hand, 
On my right side Jack – 
        Marching, marching,
Steel swung at my thigh,
        Who so gay as I? 

                               (Left, Left!)

Marching, marching 
       On the same old track; 
Sorrow gnawing at my heart,
       Mem’ry piercing like a dart, 
Care perched on my back;
       Linton on my left hand –
But, alas! poor Jack! 
        Marching, marching,
Quietly does he lie,
        Marching, marching, 
Who so sad as I? 
  
                              (Left left!)


Joe Lee
France 1915