Page:Digger Smith (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/19



EFORE the war," she sighs. "Before the war." Then blinks 'er eyes, an' tries to work a smile. "Ole scenes," she sez, "don't look the same no more. Ole ways," she sez, "seems to 'ave changed their style. The pleasures that we 'ad don't seem worth while— Them simple joys that passed an hour away— An' troubles, that we used to so revile, 'Ow small they look," she sez. " 'Ow small to-day.

"This war!" sighs ole Mar Flood. An' when I seen The ole girl sittin' in our parlour there, Tellin' 'er troubles to my wife, Doreen, As though the talkin' eased 'er load uv care, I thinks uv mothers, 'ere an' everywhere, Smilin' a bit while they are grievin' sore For grown-up babies, fightin' Over There; An' then I 'ears 'em sigh, "Before the war."

My wife 'as took the social 'abit bad. I ain't averse—one more new word I've learned— Averse to tea, when tea is to be 'ad; An' when it comes I reckon that it's earned.