Page:Canadian poems of the great war.djvu/122

 Cuthbert Goodridge MacDonald

Eldest son of Elizabeth Roberts MacDonald. Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick, May 10th, 1897. Educated in local schools and at the Nelson High School, British Columbia. Resigned from the Civil Service at Ottawa in 1916, to enlist; but because of ill-health he was later honourably discharged. Author of a booklet of verse, Armageddon and Other Poems.

OUT OF THE WEST

To a Western battalion passing through Ottawa on its way Overseas

OUT of the West they come, Into the East they go, And ever the throbbing battle-drum Beats on against the foe.

Along the sunlit street Rank upon rank they swing, And the rhythmic tread of their marching feet Keeps time with the songs they sing.

Though each may have his fears, Thoughts that he may not tell, Though the smiles at last be close to tears, They bid a glad farewell.

Their feet are turning home From prairie-land and hill: Whatever paths these men may roam Their hearts are British still.

O Britain, these are thine, These are thy heroes true, Who seek the distant battle-line To die for love of you !

Out of the West they come, Into the East they go, And ever the throbbing battle-drum Beats on against the foe.