C.D. Warner, et al., comp.
The Library of the World’s Best Literature. An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Jessie Pope (1868–1941)

SHINING pins that dart and click

In the fireside’s sheltered peace

Check the thoughts that cluster thick—

20 plain and then decrease.

He was brave—well, so was I—

Keen and merry, but his lip

Quivered when he said good-bye—

Purl the seam-stitch, purl and slip.

Never used to living rough,

Lots of things he’d got to learn;

Wonder if he’s warm enough—

Knit 2, catch 2, knit 1, turn.

Hark! The paper-boys again!

Wish that shout could be suppressed,

Keeps one always on the strain—

Knit off 9, and slip the rest.

Wonder if he’s fighting now,

What he’s done an’ where he’s been;

He’ll come out on top, somehow—

Slip 1, knit 2, purl 14.