After the Struggle: What?

After the Struggle— What? When the war is o'er, and Tommy Returns with glory wrote On his weather-beaten features And his stained and faded coat, Will we hail him as a hero? Tell how gallantly he fought? Consider, please, one moment — After the struggle What?

Perhaps we'll have a banquet, And speeches, songs and cheers; Perhaps we'll grasp his brawny hand, And share his good wife's tears; But when the glamor's oyer, And Tommy calls for aid, Will we throw him out the life-line, The help for which he prayed? If he wears his ragged khaki, And hobbles on a crutch, Will we meet him as a brother, And welcome him as such? Or should he ask for pennies, Will we pass him proudly by, With eyes too hard for pity, With ears that quench his cry? Or, if he's lost his sturdy arm In Freedom's holy cause, Will we put him on the pay-roll? Or scratch our heads and pause? Then say: "My man, I'm really sorry, I really pity you; But we have no place for cripples, — — And well your story isn't new." And will we turn and grimly smile And gloat o'er fortune sweet, While he, forlorn and helpless, turns Into the cold, cold street? When the struggle's o'er will we deck him With bars and medals bright? Will we write his name on the Honor Roll And sing of his gallant fight? Fool World! What use are medals To victims of hellish lead? Fine words and martial music Make mighty sodden bread. When the war is o'er, and Tommy Returns to a bitter lot, As Christians, answer this question: After the struggle —What? Frank C. Steele RAYMOND, ALTA., CANADA