By bridge and battery, town and trench, <br />They're fighting with bull-dog pluck; <br />Not one, from Tommy to General French, <br />Is down upon his luck. <br />There are some who stand and some who fall, <br />But how does the chorus go <br />That echoing chant in the hearts of all? <br />'Are we downhearted? NO!' <br />There's Jack, God bless him, upon the foam, <br />His isn't an easy task, <br />To strike for England, to strike right home, <br />So much, no more, does he ask. <br />On the dreadnought's deck where the big guns bark, <br />Or in quiet depths below <br />The salt wind wafts us a chantey. Hark ! <br />' Are we downhearted ? NO !' <br /> <br />And what of the girl who is left behind, <br />And the wife who misses her mate ? <br />Oh, well, we've got our business to mind <br />Though it's only to watch and wait. <br />So we'll take what comes with a gallant heart <br />As we busily knit and sew, <br />Trying, God help us, to do our part, <br />' Are we downhearted ? NO !'<br /><br />Jessie Pope<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/no-74/
