Mexborough and Swinton Times February 9, 1918

Brer Rabbit

As I have walked the field at eve,
Half dream in the waning light,
Mine eye has wakened to perceive
A swiftly moving blob of white,
Where bunny, shy and timid soul,
Dashed headlong for the nearest hole.

I was at peace with him, I bore
No lethal weapon in my hand,
Nor did I hunger for his gore,
But this he could not understand;
He only knew with men about
The safest place was his dug-out.

The self-same instinct sure has led
The bashful creature’s human ken–
The youths who have not fought and bled,
And are not anxious to begin:
Who when the comb was first displayed,
Bolted for some “protected” trade.

Nay, even bunny, late deceased,
When prices are controlled is found,
Lest he might grace the simple feast,
Safe in cold storage underground.
Moral: For all the sheltered breed,
A ferret is the thing we need.

Pte. C. BECKETT, K.O.Y.L. I.
Kilnhurst.