THE COLORS OF BLIGHTY.

The shades of red an’ white an’ blue

Mean rather more to me an’ you,

Than just parades an’ bands an’ such

And hollerin’ loud an’ talking much.

The wounds are dark and red —

All jagged-red in Blighty:

And untamed hearts are red

Where, stretching bed on bed,

Lies lax each weary head,

In Blighty.

The walls are blank and white —

All fresh and white in Blighty:

And cheeks are gaunt and white,

Where through the endless night

They fight the second fight,

In Blighty.

Outside the skies are blue —

Soft, cloud-flecked blue o'er Blighty

But clear, relentless blue

Of purpose steeled anew

Lies there revealed to you

In every eye in Blighty.

The shades of red an’ white an’ blue

Mean rather more to me an’ you,

Than just parades an’ bands an’ such

And hollerin’ loud an’ talking much.