The Sergeant of a Highland Reg-
-Iment was drilling of his men;
With temper notably on edge
He blest them every now and then.
A sweet old lady standing by,
Was looking on with fascination,
And then she dared this question shy,
That pertubates the Celtic nation.
“Oh gentle Sergeant do not scold;
Please tell me, though your tone so curt is:
These bare-legged boys look sadly cold –
Do they wear wool beneath their skirties?
The Sergeant’s face grew lobster red,
As one who sends a bloke to blazes . . .
Then: “round about turn, squad,” he said;
“Now blast you! bend and pick up daises.”
(Robert William Service)
More Poetry from Robert William Service:
Robert William Service Poems based on Topics: Man- Fighting Mac (Robert William Service Poems)
- If You Had The Choice Of Two Women To Wed (Robert William Service Poems)
- (The sunshine seeks my little room) (Robert William Service Poems)
- Pilgrims (Robert William Service Poems)
- Decadence (Robert William Service Poems)
- The Lunger (Robert William Service Poems)
Readers Who Like This Poem Also Like:
Based on Topics: Man PoemsBased on Keywords: reg, squad, drilling, celtic, curt, fascination, notably, daises, bare-legged