Soldier Boy

Robert William Service

My soldier boy has crossed the sea
        To fight the foeman;
But he’ll come back to make of me
        And honest woman.
So I am singing all day long,
        Despite blood-shedding;
For though I know he’s done me wrong,
        We’ll end by wedding.

My soldier boy is home again,
        So bold and scathless;
But oh, my heart is numb with pain
        Because he’s faithless.
He’s brought with him a French Mam’selle;
        They plan a marriage;
Maybe I’ll go—no one will know
        Of my miscarriage.

My soldier boy has made his choice,
        She’ll hold him to it;
I tell myself that I rejoice,
        May he not rue it.
But oh, that starry month of May,
        Love-words wild spoken!
I stand alone and make no moan . . .
        My heart is broken.

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