Rhymes of the Rookies Part 2

"Join the Army and see the World,"

My fingers around my last dollar were curled.

So I went around where they hung out the flag.

But that 7-year hitch made my interest lag.

They explained it, however, and made it quite plain That to join the Army would be my gain.

So here I am in the d.a.m.n Philippines, They feed me nothing but bacon and beans.

The land of the goo-goo is no place for me, The reason porque is easy to see.

I never was strong for bugs and lizards, Or the amoebic bug that tickles your gizzards.

I have a reverse on fleas and snakes, And I hate the noise the Gekko makes.

I have three square feet of p.r.i.c.kly heat, And some dhobie itch that can't be beat, I've had the dengue and also the fever, Of all diseases I've been the receiver.

I'm bitten by all that's invented to bite us, At the end of the year I'll have Philippinitis.

A long centipede just crawled in my bunk, This tropical service is certainly punk, Not a chance in the world to go over the hill, And half my time is spent in the mill.

But why should I worry, I'll soon be free.

A "G. C. M." does the trick for me.

A MARINE'S HYMN

From the Halls of Montezuma, To the sh.o.r.es of Tripoli, We fight our country's battles On the land as on the sea.

First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean, We are proud to claim the t.i.tle Of United States Marine.

From the Pest Hole of Cavite To the ditch at Panama, You will find them very needy Of Marines--that's what we are; We're watch dogs of a pile of coal Or we dig a magazine, Tho' he lends a hand at every job, Who would not be a Marine?

Our flag's unfurled to every breeze From dawn to setting sun, We have fought in every clime or place Where we could take a gun; In the snow of far off northern lands And in sunny tropic scenes, You will find us always on the job-- The United States Marines.

Here's health to you and to our corps Which we are proud to serve, In many a strife we have fought for life And never lost our nerve; If the army and the navy Ever look on heaven's scenes, They will find the streets are guarded by The United States Marines.

HERE'S TO THE SIXTEENTH!

(_A toast by an officer at San Antonio banquet_.)

Here's to the "Sixteenth Cavalry,"

A "Colt" that has just been foaled; Bred with no "Past,"--but a Future, Which Training and Time will unfold.

This "Colt," with his milk-teeth gives promise Of growing to be some fine horse, And if we give him "right raising,"

Be sure that he'll "come across."

Our "Colt" is as "sound" and as "quiet"

As any old horse you will see, And, as for his "fit conformation,"-- That's just as fine as can be.

Here's hoping that he gets good "grooming,"

Good "grazing'"--good "stable"--good "stall;"

So when they sound "Boots and Saddles,"

The "Colt" can answer their call.

Here's hoping that he gets good "forage,"

Well "watered"--with "all-fours" well cleaned; And not have to patrol the hot Border,-- At least,--until he is "weaned."

We'll swear by this "Colt," who is "hoof-marked"

With the "16th Cavalry" brand; And we'll warrant when he "cuts his molars,"

He'll be as good as the best in the land.

We'll see that he gets fearless riders, Who are "kindly" and know every "aid;"

So if ever a battle is brewing, He'll go to the "Charge" unafraid.

He'll compare with all Cavalry horses, No "I. C." marks for his neck; Instead, upon his new brow-band Resetted Blue Ribbons bedeck.

No matter the "sire," no matter the "dam,"

His "strain" is "pure-blood"--tho "unregistered" yet; He'll "run in the money,"--when put to the test, To "win in the stretch,"--on that you can bet.

So here's to the "Sixteenth Cavalry,"

The youngest of Cavalry "mounts;"

He hasn't a "Past" and a "Pedigree,"

But 's "all-horse,"--and that is what counts!

HIKING IN THE PHILIPPINES

(_From a Marine's Diary_)

(A ONE-DAY HIKE)

Rise and s.h.i.+ne, the bugle's calling!

Spring up lively from your beds!

Into line we'll soon be falling-- Shake a leg, you sleepy heads!

Better make a hasty toilet, Like the other fellows do, For I'll guarantee you'll spoil it, Long before the day is thru!

Better see the shoes you're wearing Have a heavy pair of soles; Or you'll do some awful swearing When the rocks come thru the holes!

Have your canteen filled and ready Haversack swung on your belt, Where it will swing good and steady And its weight is scarcely felt!

At your breakfast don't you hurry-- Eat another dish of beans; For you'll need it--don't you worry-- Hiking in the Philippines!

Up the dusty road we've started-- Rout Step--walking at our ease; Soon the even lines are parted-- All are walking as they please.

Long before the sun has ambled O'er the green hills on our right, Far along the road we've rambled In the early morning light.

Thru the narrow trail we're walking, Sticking to the narrow path.

Just behind us some are talking, 'Way ahead we hear a laugh.

Now a slender bridge we're crossing, Over to a "goo-goo" farm-- Where a Carabao is tossing Up his head, in great alarm.