Author’s Note: Armies around the world are seriously considering 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,
Expletives whilst 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,
Dressed-up 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 our 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!
- A army march with heavy equipment over difficult terrain.