THOMAS OF THE LIGHT HEART.

["The Cologne Gazette" tells us that we are lacking in understanding of the high seriousness of the war; that we use sporting expressions about it. "The Times," referring to this criticism, points out that, though we do not pretend, like the Germans, to make a religion of war, our sporting instinct at least enables us to recognise that to draw the sword on women and children is "not cricket."]

FACING the guns he jokes as well 
As any Judge upon the Bench:
Between the crash of shell and shell 
His laughter rings along the trench;
He seems immensely tickled by a 
Projectile which he calls a "Black Maria." 
At intervals when work is slack
He kicks a leather ball about;
Recalls old tales of wing and back
The Villa's rush the Rover's rout;
Or lays a tenner to a pup
On Albion (not "perfidious") for the Cup.
He whistles down the day-long road
And when the chilly shadows fall
And heavier hangs the weary load
Is he down-hearted? Not at all.
'Tis then he takes a light and airy
View of the tedious route to Tipperary.
His songs are not exactly hymns;
He never learned them in the choir;
And yet they brace his dragging limbs
Although they miss the sacred fire;
Although his choice and cherished gems
Do not include "The Watch upon the Thames."
He takes to fighting as a game;
He does no talking, through his hat,
Of holy missions; all the same
He has his faith, be sure of that
He'll not disgrace his sporting breed
Nor play what isn't cricket. there's his creed.                
                                 
From:  Punch October 14, 1914