_"I've given a lot of my time and work
To helping my country," says he;
"No one can tell you that I am a shirk
In the great cause of Liberty!"
(Perhaps you have met him?
Well, then, forget him!)_
John Lampas was a Greek,
John Lampas isn't now;
He's just a plain American
And eating soldier chow.
He joined the army recently,
But first--he gave away
His touring car, his watch, his cash
To the Red Cross one day,
And then enlisted. "That's all I can do,"
He said; "and I'm glad to give it, for true!"
He doesn't ask for praise,
For jollies, or for guff;
He gave because this land gave him
A _chance_--which was enough!
He hasn't got a dollar;
He's just a khakied man,
But, somehow, he seems mighty like
A _true_ American!
His cash and his watch and his auto he gave,
And then himself. Was that foolish, or brave?
_So when I hear that other chap
Congratulate himself because
He gave "some time"--I'd like to rap
Him once across his selfish paws!
(Because I have met him--
I want to forget him!)_