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Royal Air Force

—Deluge of New Zealand Applications." (News Placards.)
"I'd like to be an airman," said little Johnny brown:
"I'd like to shoot a German. and to watch him falling down. . . .
I'd like to have a 'Circus' (he was born to be a clown—
Though I am sure he doesn't know it!)—
Little Johnny Brown.

"I'd like to be a 'bird-man' . . . (how sweet an engine sings:
They're better'n canaries, an' nightingales an' things!)
I'd feel just like an angel, sprouting aluminium wings . . .
Though I think I'd join the Force just for the uniform it brings."
Said Little Johnny Brown.

"I'd like to be a flying 'Ace': to stack the Cards of Fate
At six miles to the minute—or perhaps a greater rate . . .
"I'd like to be an eagle . . ." (Can't you see the eagles mate
Laying little rounded liras for the glory of the state?)
"I'd like to be a hero, and to be among the Great."
Said Little Johnny Brown.

"I'd like to be 'A' Pilot. with a joystick in my hand:
I'd like to soar the heavens—I am sure it must be grand
To feel oneself above it: it's so stuffy on the land . . .
(And if I learnt to play the trombone, I might get into the Band)."
Said Little Johnny Brown.

"I'd like to be an airman," little Johnny still affirms:
"I'd like to fool the other lads with aeronautic terms. ..."

(And it seems I am the only one who—like a sissy—squirms
At the thought of Little Johnny as the Heritage of Worms.)

—Anton Vogt.

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