THE GIVERS

“I've given a lot of my time and work

To helping my country,” says he;

“No one can tell you that I am a shirk

In the great cause of Liberty!”

( Perhaps you have met him?

Well, then, forget him! )

John Lampas was a Greek,

John Lampas is n't now;

He's just a plain American

And eating soldier chow.

He joined the army recently,

But first — he gave away

His touring car, his watch, his cash

To the Red Cross one day,

And then enlisted. “That's all I can do,”

He said; “and I'm glad to give it, for true!”

He does n't ask for praise,

For jollies, or for guff;

He gave because this land gave him

A chance — which was enough!

He has n't got a dollar;

He's just a khakied man,

But, somehow, he seems mighty like

A true American!

His cash and his watch and his auto he gave,

And then himself. Was that foolish, or brave?

So when I hear that other chap

Congratulate himself because

He gave “some time” — I'd like to rap

Him once across his selfish paws!

( Because I have met him —

I want to forget him! )