Page:Fifes and Drums, Poems of America at War, Vigilantes, 1917.djvu/121



are the girls that they left behind them

And this is the pride that we wear today.

We had no will to hinder or bind them,

To bid them hesitate, wait or stay.

We bade God-speed to them on their way,

Not with the sadness of hearts resigned

But glad of the call they must needs obey.

We are the girls that they left behind.

We are the girls that they left behind them,

Not as of old but to weep and pray,

But with ready hands and with wit to find them

Service fit for the part we play.