a war memory - poem

This charming little poem about a Great War romance and the international language of kisses comes from the May 1919 issue of Saucy Stories, which I found in the Internet Archive.

A War Memory
By Frederick Moxon

When I was over there in France
Driving an army ambulance,
I sang a song and took my chance.

I took my chance and sang a song,
For war is foul, but youth is strong,
And life is sweet, and death is long.

Yes, life and love alike are sweet,
And by the well we used to meet —
Myself, and pretty Marguerite.

In southern vale the village lay —
(“Hell’s Road” a thousand worlds away),
And there was rest and holiday.

A church there was with chiming bell,
And moonlight silence by the well
Where whispering poplar-shadows fell.

I tried my French each little while,
And Marguerite, with puzzled smile,
Our meanings tried to reconcile.

But Love be praised! and thank the Fates!
One thing for no translation waits:
Her kisses “talked United States.”

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