Alexander R. “Lex” Fullarton

CHOCOS

I am a week-end soldier, the world is proud of me,
I’ve fought a million battles, and always been in time for tea;
I am a waste of money; I am a waste of time,
But when shove has come to push, they find me in the line.

For I am twice a Citizen, I lead a double life,
I am a Chocolate Soldier, with three kids and a wife;
You’ll find me in an office, digging drains or down the pub,
You’ll also find my weekends taken up by training in the scrub.

Well I’ve copped some slander in my time, but mostly it’s in jest,
For when it’s really needed, I’ve done my bloody best;
Go ask the Frogs at Agincourt, about Henry and his knights,
How the Yeoman archers held their ground, they put up one awful fight.

Go ask the Japs on Kakoda’s trail, when their day was almost won,
How they tangled with the butcher’s boys, at the rising of the sun;
Go ask the Chinese at Kapyong, how Nasho’s hold their ground,
When the ‘deep thinkers’ were so scarce, that few of them were found.

It’s true they are professionals, for they do it all the time,
And we are just such amateurs, just filth or mud and slime;
We should sit and watch the footy, leave the real thing to the men,
But when they land in trouble, they call us up again.

So we grab our bloody rifles and head toward the line,
We say that we’ll be home by dinner, and that we’re feeling fine;
In truth we really don’t want to go, we’d rather see it on TV,
I am a Chocolate Soldier and I am so very proud of me.

Author’s Note: I have penned another poem for Carnarvon’s ANZAC Day. Our theme this year is “Citizen Soldiers”