Seniors Network

Soldier on!

Mick Street
 

Join the Army, - learn a trade,

And so begins your new career

Adventure, travel and get paid.

In this unfriendly atmosphere,
 

There's the lies you're fed upon,

You think of home and your lovely bed,

And like a mug you sign on.

And wish like hell that you were dead.
 

Then, when they've got you in their grip,

The months roll by, you work, and how

Where's those smiles of comradeship?

Lets look in and see you now -
 

Where's those friendly, helpful types;

Drill parades and kit inspection,

Who's that devil with three stripes?

Brasses bulled to high perfection.
 

Weapon training and PT -

Then you're issued with your kit,

Life's one endless misery.

A uniform that does not fit;
 

Squad attention! Stand at ease!

Braces left and braces right,

Obeying orders such as these.

One holdall to be scrubbed white.
 

A belt - the brasses dull and black;

Then in some dreary office job,

One valise, and one small pack.

You count the days to your demob.
 

Pouches basic, buckles 'D',

How hopeless it appears to you -

Shirts of khaki, issue three.

To find that you have years to do.
 

Boots ammunition, thick with grease,

Then, one fine day

"Aint it never gonna cease?"

(dont say I told you so)
 

Ah! At last you think you're through -

The blokes will say - "hello old so

You ask the Sergeant what to do?

Then, like me you'll feel at peace,

Because you are nearing your release.
 

He looks at you as if you're mad,

Then, you grip another lad

"See that kit? Well clean it lad"

About the smashing times you've had;
 

Followed by another word -

About the service you have seen -

The strangest word you've ever heard.

And all the places you have been......
 

You look at him with quaking heart -

So, you can wipe off that dark frown -

"But please - I dont know where to start."

Dont let the Army get you down;
 

The Sergeant groans and starts to swear;

Stick to it lad, keep smiling through

"You see that ?????? webbing there?

Til you've only one more day to do!

"Well scrub it til it looks like new,
 

Then, in the morning on the dot -

I'll inspect the bloody lot."

Mick Street.

An Old Soldier 1955.