Goodbye, Boys!

Line after line, you swung along, You men, who only a while ago Were just a part of the city's throng Working for self, sedate and slow. But now--what a diff'rence! Living throbs Of the Nation's heart! Her reborn men; And some who saw you gulped back sobs-- And wished you were marching home again! Our eyes were dim as you went past, For we knew you--at last!

We felt that every senseless joke About a soldier, wherever made, Would make us ashamed.... For now we choke Whenever the Colors and you parade! Wherever that O. D. uniform Shall gladden the eyes of we useless men We can't forget who is meeting the storm-- That some of you won't come home again! You went.... We talked.... God blot the past! For we know you--at last!