EQUALITY AT LAST! (poem)

EQUALITY AT LAST!

(Mad about the M.O.D.)

(7/4/2014. The British army will seriously

consider close-combat roles for women.)

Rejoice! all gentle Feminists,

And soon enjoy the thrill;

Of having full equality--

The right to fight and kill!

The right to march repeatedly,

Across the barrack square;

Whilst Sergeant Major-ette barks forth,

Obscenities out there.

The right to polish hobnail boots,

And whitewash army coal;

As indispensable parts of,

The training for this role.

The right to look like brutish men,

Whilst dressed in camouflage;

The right to be last in the yomp, (1)

And dressed down by the Sarge.

The right to keep the enemy,

Of either sex at bay;

With rifles and fixed bayonets,

Has really made the day!

The right upon the Killing Fields,

To fill up empty graves;

Now all we want’s the right to be,

Dead equal as wage-slaves!

(1) A army march with heavy

equipment over difficult terrain.

© Richard Layton