Young Thompson was a bit too short, <br />But hard as nails and level-headed, <br />And in his soul the proper sort <br />Of dogged pluck was deeply bedded ; <br />To join the ranks he almost ran, <br />But saw the weedy supersede him ; <br />Though he was every inch a man, <br />His country didn't need him. <br /> <br />He read each passionate appeal <br />On wall and window, cab and cart ; <br />How impotent they made him feel ! <br />He tried once more, though sick at heart. <br />In vain ! He saw the sergeants smirk ; <br />He argued, but they would not heed him ; <br />So sullenly trudged back to work <br />His country didn't need him. <br /> <br />But, now the standard height's curtailed, <br />Again he goes to join the ranks ; <br />Though yesterday he tried and failed <br />To-day they welcome him with thanks. <br />Apparently, he's just as small, <br />But since his size no more impedes him, <br />In spirit he is six foot tall <br />Because his country needs him.<br /><br />Jessie Pope<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/little-and-good/
