Why I enlisted - Gorden Bruce Morse, 1916
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A poem by Tillsonburg's Gorden Bruce Morse written in France, 1916.
France, 1916
You asked me why I enlisted
And why I go to the war.
Just Listen – I'll tell you a story
Perhaps you have heard it before.
I ain't no bloomin' hero
And I don't want any thanks.
I'm just a paltry private doing my bit in the ranks.
***
I was just a county bumpkin
Making my way on the land.
And when the war was started
I decided to lend a hand.
I heard of the German in Belgium
And the horrible deeds he had done.
My blood ran cold with horror
At what he called great fun.
***
The way he treated the mothers
And the little children too.
Made me join the colours
Determined to see it through.
For it's all up to us Britons
No matter where we may be
To stand up shoulder to shoulder
Till little Belgium is free.
***
There are lads who have crossed the ocean
From Australia and Canada too
To fight beside the Tommies
Determined to see it all through
And the Union Jack unfurled
Till the Kaiser learns he is beaten
And finds he cannot rule the world.
***
Then I will pull off my khaki
And return to my home o'er the sea.
I'll consider my duty accomplished
And know my conscience is free.
But if I should fall in battle
And never cross o'er the foam
I still thank God I enlisted
And helped protect my home.