Page:Patriotic pieces from the Great War, Jones, 1918.djvu/38

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
34
PATRIOTIC PIECES

THE WOUNDED SOLDIER IN THE CONVENT

What is that clanging noise I hear
Through the still convent ringing?
It is the carriage-ambulance
A wounded soldier bringing.


Upon his coat the blood-spots shine;
He limps—a shell has caught him—
His gun he uses for a crutch,
Descending, to support him.


A veteran he, with fierce moustache—
The triple stripes he's wearing—
All prudes and hypocrites he loathes,
And starts by loudly swearing.


Well-nigh insulting are his looks,
With ill-bred gibes he rallies
The novices—beneath their caps
They blush at his coarse sallies.


If at his side, thinking he sleeps,
The sister breathes a prayer,
Straightway astir he fills his pipe
And whistles a bored air.


What use to him their faithful watch,

The care that never ceases?