Patriotic pieces from the Great War/File Three

FILE THREE

File Three stood motionless and pale,
⁠Of nameless pedigree;
One of a hundred on detail—
⁠But would I had been he!

In years a youth, but worn and old,
⁠With face of ivory;
Upon his sleeve two strands of gold—
⁠Oh, would I had been he!

The General passed down the line,
⁠And walked right rapidly,
But saw those threads and knew the sign—
⁠Oh, where was I, File Three!

"Twice wounded? Tell me where you were."
⁠The man of stars asked he.
"Givenchy and Lavenze, sir"—
⁠Oh, where was I, File Three!

Then crisply quoth the General:
⁠"You are a man, File Three."
And Tommy's heart held carnival—
⁠God! Would I had been he!