Page:Soldier poets, songs of the fighting men, 1916.djvu/107

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E. F. Wilkinson, M.C.

Leagues lie between us, but leagues cannot sever
Links forged by Love, Dad o' Mine,
Bonds of his binding are fast bound forever,
Future will prove, Dad o' Mine.
Your strength was mine since I first lisped your name, Dad,
Your thoughts were my thoughts at lesson or game, Dad,
In childhood's griefs, it was ever the same, Dad,
Your hand round mine, Dad o' Mine,
Your hand round mine.


Strengthened by shadow and shine borne together,
Comrades and chums, Dad o' mine,
We shall not falter thro' fair or foul weather,
Whatever comes, Dad o' Mine.
So in the years to be when you grow older,
Age puts his claims in and weakness grows bolder;
We'll stand up and meet them, Dad, shoulder to shoulder,
Your arm in mine, Dad o' mine,
Your arm in mine.

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