Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/93

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Ernest H. A. Home

An English poet who came to Canada in 1913, to engage in farming. Enlisted in the Spring of 1917, but was discharged the following year, on account of an injury received whilst training. Has three brothers at the Front. Born at Hastings, England, August 25th, 1884; of Scotch descent on his father's side. Educated in the Private. School of his father, Mr Harry Home. Lives at Princeton, Ontario.

Youth

E you walked —a prideful sight—

Between the handles of the plough;

In your dark eyes Adventure's light,

Adventure's kiss upon your brow.

I knew they fretted you and galled—

The bonds that bound you to the clay;

You gave your hands when duty called,

But your young heart was far away.

Then came the war, and you were freed;

Blue jeans were cast aside—and now,

Because of our dear country's need,

Old hands again must guide the plough.

Old hands again must ply their trade;

Old lips must calm the women's fears;

Old eyes will seek the kindly shade

And blink away their foolish tears.

O son, you act a noble part!

But in the pauses of the fight

Where turns your fearless, boyish heart?

Where turns it lad, our lad, tonight?

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