I said: “I leave my bit of land- In khaki they've entwined me,
I go abroad to lend a hand.” Said she: “My love,
I understand.
I will be true, and though we part A thousand years you hold my heart"- The girl I left behind me.
I went away to fight the Huns- No coward thought could bind me,
I sizzled n the tropic suns,
I faced the bayonets and the guns.
And when in daring deeds I shone One little woman spurred me on- The girl I left behind me.
Out there, in grim Gallipoli. Hard going they assigned me,
I pricked the Turk up from the sea;
I riddled him, he punctured me;
And, bleeding in my rags,
I said: “She'll meet me somewhere if I'm dead- The girl I left behind me.
In France we broke the German's face- They tried with gas to blind me.
In mud we bogged from front to base,
And dirt was ours, but not disgrace.
They carved me till I couldn't stand.
Said I “Now for the Lodden, and The girl I left behind me.
I came ashore, and struck the track; For dust you scarce could find me.
The dear girl gave no welcome back- Shed changed her names and state, alack! “You've been a time,
I must say,
Ned,
In finishing your old war.” Said The girl I left behind me.
I flung a song up to the skies. For battles gods designed me.
I think of Fifi's laughing eyes,
And Nami, dusk, but sweet and wise,
And chortle in my heart to find How very far I've left behind- The girl I left behind me.
