Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

To Thomas Atkins

(Prelude to Barrack Room Ballads)

I HAVE made for you a song,

And it may be right or wrong,

But only you can tell me if it’s true;

I have tried for to explain

Both your pleasure and your pain,

And, Thomas, here’s my best respects to you!

O there’ll surely come a day

When they’ll give you all your pay,

And treat you as a Christian ought to do;

So, until that day comes round,

Heaven keep you safe and sound,

And, Thomas, here’s my best respects to you!