(Deserters) <br /> There is a world outside the one you know, <br /> To which for curiousness 'Ell can't compare-- <br /> It is the place where "wilful-missings" go, <br /> As we can testify, for we are there. <br /> <br /> You may 'ave read a bullet laid us low, <br /> That we was gathered in "with reverent care" <br /> And buried proper. But it was not so, <br /> As we can testify --for we are there! <br /> <br />They can't be certain--faces alter so <br /> After the old aasvogel 'ad 'is share. <br />The uniform's the mark by which they go-- <br /> And--ain't it odd?--the one we best can spare. <br /> <br />We might 'ave seen our chance to cut the show-- <br /> Name, number, record, an 'begin elsewhere-- <br />Leaven'' some not too late-lamented foe <br /> One funeral-private-British-for 'is share. <br /> <br />We may 'ave took it yonder in the Low <br /> Bush-veldt that sends men stragglin' 'unaware <br />Among the Kaffirs, till their columns go, <br /> An 'they are left past call or count or care. <br /> <br />We might 'ave been your lovers long ago, <br /> 'Usbands or children--comfort or despair. <br />Our death (an' burial) settles all we owe, <br /> An' why we done it is our own affair. <br /> <br />Marry again, and we will not say no, <br /> Nor come to barstardise the kids you bear. <br />Wait on in 'ope--you've all your life below <br /> Before you'll ever 'ear us on the stair. <br /> <br />There is no need to give our reasons, though <br /> Gawd knows we all 'ad reasons which were fair; <br />But other people might not judge 'em so-- <br /> And now it doesn't matter what they were. <br /> <br />What man can weigh or size another's woe: <br /> There are some things too bitter 'ard to bear. <br />Suffice it we 'ave finished--Domino! <br /> As we can testify, for we are there, <br />In the side-world where "wilful-missings " go.<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/wilful-missing/
