English poem
The Disappointed
by Everard Jack Appleton (1872–1931)
There's a Red Cross Button on his left lapel, And a Liberty Bond pin on his right; There's a U. S. flag above the Red Cross, too; His patriotism's never out of sight! His loyalty is spread on his hollow breast (And sometimes he's pathetic, I confess), But the button that he's most ashamed to wear Is the one that reads
EXEMPT U. S.
There's an aching heart in his 28-chest, There's a look of deep longing in his eyes; Behind his heavy glasses there gleams a hope That maybe he can grow an inch in size! There's a hero-throb in the heart of that boy, Though he wears too much "scenery"--ah, yes!-- But the badge that hurts he really tries to hide-- It's the one that reads
EXEMPT U. S.
You fellows that are in--have a heart for those Who want to be, but can't! For they must know A bitterness of soul you can never feel-- They haven't got a chance on earth to go! So it's, "Stay back home with the old and unfit," (There's nothing else to do but that, I guess!) The badge he'd be glad to throw a mile away Is the one that reads
EXEMPT U. S.