<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">Thomas of the Light Heart</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Facing</span> the guns, he jokes as well</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">As any Judge upon the Bench;</p><p class="line">Between the crash of shell and shell</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">His laughter rings along the trench;</p><p class="line">He seems immensely tickled by a</p><p class="line">Projectile which he calls a "Black Maria."</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">He whistles down the day-long road,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">And, when the chilly shadows fall</p><p class="line">And heavier hangs the weary load,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Is he down-hearted? Not at all.</p><p class="line">'T is then he takes a light and airy</p><p class="line">View of the tedious route to Tipperary.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">His songs are not exactly hymns;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">He never learned them in the choir;</p><p class="line">And yet they brace his dragging limbs</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">Although they miss the sacred fire;</p><p class="line">Although his choice and cherished gems</p><p class="line">Do not include "The Watch upon the Thames."</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">He takes to fighting as a game;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">He does no talking, through his hat,</p><p class="line">Of holy missions; all the same</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:4%">He has his faith -- be sure of that;</p><p class="line">He'll not disgrace his sporting breed,</p><p class="line">Nor play what is n't cricket. There's his creed.</p></div><p class="byline">Owen Seaman</p><p> October, 1914 </p></body></html> · Great War