The Loyal Blacks

August, 1917

Three years ago the war began, Three years ago to-day The Empire's call to every man Was either fight or pay. Some men the country well could spare Their clear-cut duty shun But all the Blacks have done their share To help defeat the Hun.

My brother Jim, who worked by spells (He had a lazy streak) Is busy now inspecting shells At forty bones a week. And Jack, of course, is rather young, He's just nineteen or so, And Tom had trouble with his lung About twelve years ago.

My brother Ben would like to fight, The Kaiser makes him wild, But if he went 'twould not be right, He has a wife and child. I cannot lease my farm and store, With prices soaring higher, If times keep good for two years more I think I can retire.

Although we didn't volunteer And learn the soldier's art, We hold some good positions here And bravely do our part, While some the khaki suits have donned, And in the trenches slave We put into a war loan bond Each dollar we can save.

But there are lots of husky chaps Could go as well as not, There's Arthur Mee and Joe perhaps, Paul Pierce and Barney Bott, And Peter Jones and Sam Delong, And Jack Smith's hired man, And Scotty Moss, and Wesley Strong, And Billy Barlow's Dan.

And Robert Green and Walter White, And others I could name; When these refuse to go and fight It is a burning shame; I think they should be forced to go, Conscription is the plan To catch these chaps so very slow And make them play the man.