Amy's Place ... Poetry and Potpourri ... December, 2008

12-01-08 | JustAmy; St.Louie1; MamaBear; Billie

[Lady Jag]

That's always a shiver-maker for me.

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!

[ConorMacNessa]

Danny Deever

"What are the bugles blowin' for?" said Files-on-Parade.
"To turn you out, to turn you out", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What makes you look so white, so white?" said Files-on-Parade.
"I'm dreadin' what I've got to watch", the Colour-Sergeant said.
For they're hangin' Danny Deever, you can hear the Dead March play,
The Regiment's in 'ollow square -- they're hangin' him to-day;
They've taken of his buttons off an' cut his stripes away,
An' they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'.

"What makes the rear-rank breathe so 'ard?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's bitter cold, it's bitter cold", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What makes that front-rank man fall down?" said Files-on-Parade.
"A touch o' sun, a touch o' sun", the Colour-Sergeant said.
They are hangin' Danny Deever, they are marchin' of 'im round,
They 'ave 'alted Danny Deever by 'is coffin on the ground;
An' 'e'll swing in 'arf a minute for a sneakin' shootin' hound --
O they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'!

"'Is cot was right-'and cot to mine", said Files-on-Parade.
"'E's sleepin' out an' far to-night", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"I've drunk 'is beer a score o' times", said Files-on-Parade.
"'E's drinkin' bitter beer alone", the Colour-Sergeant said.
They are hangin' Danny Deever, you must mark 'im to 'is place,
For 'e shot a comrade sleepin' -- you must look 'im in the face;
Nine 'undred of 'is county an' the Regiment's disgrace,
While they're hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin'

"What's that so black agin' the sun?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's Danny fightin' 'ard for life", the Colour-Sergeant said.
"What's that that whimpers over'ead?" said Files-on-Parade.
"It's Danny's soul that's passin' now", the Colour-Sergeant said.
For they're done with Danny Deever, you can 'ear the quickstep play,
The Regiment's in column, an' they're marchin' us away;
Ho! the young recruits are shakin', an' they'll want their beer to-day,
After hangin' Danny Deever in the mornin’.

Rudyard Kipling

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[luvie]

What a sad poem, Conor!

[ConorMacNessa]

Tommy

I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o' beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's "Thank you, Mister Atkins", when the band begins to play.

I went into a theatre as sober as could be,
They gave a drunk civilian room, but 'adn't none for me;
They sent me to the gallery or round the music-'alls,
But when it comes to fightin', Lord! they'll shove me in the stalls!
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, wait outside";
But it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide,
The troopship's on the tide, my boys, the troopship's on the tide,
O it's "Special train for Atkins" when the trooper's on the tide.

Yes, makin' mock o' uniforms that guard you while you sleep
Is cheaper than them uniforms, an' they're starvation cheap;
An' hustlin' drunken soldiers when they're goin' large a bit
Is five times better business than paradin' in full kit.
Then it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, 'ow's yer soul?"
But it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll,
The drums begin to roll, my boys, the drums begin to roll,
O it's "Thin red line of 'eroes" when the drums begin to roll.

We aren't no thin red 'eroes, nor we aren't no blackguards too,
But single men in barricks, most remarkable like you;
An' if sometimes our conduck isn't all your fancy paints,
Why, single men in barricks don't grow into plaster saints;
While it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, fall be'ind",
But it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind,
There's trouble in the wind, my boys, there's trouble in the wind,
O it's "Please to walk in front, sir", when there's trouble in the wind.

You talk o' better food for us, an' schools, an' fires, an' all:
We'll wait for extry rations if you treat us rational.
Don't mess about the cook-room slops, but prove it to our face
The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace.
For it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Chuck him out, the brute!"
But it's "Saviour of 'is country" when the guns begin to shoot;
An' it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' anything you please;
An' Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool -- you bet that Tommy sees!

Rudyard Kipling

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[ConorMacNessa]

It is indeed - it's been set to music and it's a beautiful, poignant song.

Lamh Foistenach Abu!

[Billie]

Hi, Maj! Thank you - ..."that poem is smmmmokin'!" you're so cute!

Am going to answer the rest of my pings and then post tomorrow's opening so the early risers won't have to wait for me. :)

[Billie]

‘evening, Conor - thank you for posting more of Kipling’s poems. He wrote some pretty heavy stuff - a little dark, a little sad.

[Billie]

December 31, 2008 ~ New Year's Eve

Let's celebrate! As we count down to midnight, a new year beckons.

Click on your name for the link to your full-sized doll.
(Most of you already have yours, but there are a few new ones)

[Billie]

My clock just struck midnight a few minutes ago, so it officially is New Year's Eve Central Standard Time. :)

I am going to officially say goodnight now though. Back in a few hours. :)

[Diver Dave]

I’ll be picking up my tuxedo from the cleaners in the afternoon. Polished my dancin’ shoes and I’ll be ready to dance the night away with all these fine lookin’ ladies. :)

[MeekOneGOP]

Hey, Billie! Great job on that post ... as always! :^D

Happy New Years Eve, y’all!!!

[DollyCali]

BEAUTIFUL TABLE & GREETING BILLIE!

and dont we all look grand??? --- THANK YOU!

Tonight Going to My Favorite NYE Venue in Cleveland

Out of town friend was not able to make trip at last minute (big disappointment) & so as is the norm here - alteration of plans.

Here are a few pix from last year - will post some tomorrow or over week-end from tonight

I rarely stay home NYE as it is nice to be a a good event and this one surely is. The high priced - free booze - events I do NOT care for. People are smashed before midnight & obnoxious. This event attracts a good crowd & because it is a cash bar, it is a great atmosphere.

Always lots of interesting people to chat with. I usually run into several people I know. Dressy for most part.. suit/turtlenecks to black tie.. Not sure what I am wearing but long black velvet dress is the probable choice. Should really look great with this cast!

I am sure if the Lord gives me enough years there will be the time of inability to get out & enjoy a concert, dancing & lifting a toast of champaign with friends at Midnight. Being home with comfort & low key might appeal to me then - but it doesn't now

Doggy walk about hour ago in about 5 inches of snow! Wind blowing & cold. Dogs don't care & i was REALLY bundled up so okay. Yest afternoon I took pups about 4:45 for a planned jaunt 20 minute run at cemetery.

Toby had other plans & I finally corralled him at 7:30! Actually he then came willingly. - probably exhausted from chasing deer etc. Often he would be about 50 feet from van & just sit & watch us - if I made a move out of van he would take off, bouncing & looking back to see if I was chasing him & wanting me to follow & play with him

Mr Ornery!

Fortunately I had no plans written in stone for PM - did have a movie pass only good til today & wont use it today for sure

Hopefully this will end early enough & be cleared with so many with New Years eve plans involving travel - including me - wont have difficulty!

I hope you all have a pleasant & safe evening & day ahead tomorrow!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

[lonestar]

I intend to be "Queen of the ball"----of course.

I want to wish all my FReeper "aunts" and "uncles" a very Happy New Year!

Weinie

[jaycee]

Well, Billie, you have outdone yourself again. What a wonderful job...."we all look so beautiful". Thanks you so much, Billie! We will have a blast tonight. Dave is shining up his 'dancing shoes'.

[jaycee]

Hi Dolly...Remembered those wonderful pics. from last year! It sounds like a lovely evening you have planned. Hope you have a great time and a Very Happy New Year!

[MEG33]

Billie for the wonderful gowns you designed for our New Year's Ball
I'll be back and dressed for a dance with Diver this evening!
Happy last day of 2008 everyone!

[ConorMacNessa]

Good morning, ladies! Posting from the office so I have no graphics, etc. I’ll try and post some poetry later this evening when I get home.

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning :)
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. The thread has the most beautiful images, poems and comments! It's wonderful with my son home! Wishing you the best in your New Year!

[jaycee]

[pollywog]

wooo HOOO!!!! Wowie!
Are we in fashion this morning.
Billie, you are the best!... I’ve never looked so good in years! lol

Happy New Year to all of you here at Amy’s Place.
What a wonderful group of friends!

Polly