The Poetry Corner

Song For Heroes

By Ellis Parker Butler

Captain OHare was a mariner brave; He refused to abandon his ship; A hero, he sleeps in a watery grave, And his widow is now Mrs. Bipp, Haw! Haw! His widow is now Mrs. Bipp! Henri Dupont was a fearless young ace; Five thousand feet up he was hit; Each year on his grave pretty flowers we place, And his widow is now Mrs. Schmitt, Haw! Haw! His widow is now Mrs. Schmitt! Corporal Dunn was a volunteer bold; He plunged in the deadliest fray; A bayonet thrust laid him out stony cold, And his widow is now Mrs. Gray, Haw! Haw! His widow is now Mrs. Gray! But Peter McGuck was a cowardly sneak, Like a hound he remained home in fear; When fishing one day he fell into the creek, And his widow is now Mrs. Greer, Haw! Haw! Haw! Mrs. William OHoulihan Greer!