Jim O'Mera's Ride
Author Unknown
"Send me a man who is brave and true."
This message the General sent,
And over the roll in quick review
The Captain, in fancy, went.
"No lion's more brave than the Irishman,
Aye, brave, nor is steel more true
Nor fears he loss of life or limb,
Yes, Jim O'Mera'll do."
His orders received, to horse Jim leapt,
To the General's side he sped,
Then checked his steed and doffed his cap.
"Well, Gin'ral, I'm here," he said.
Sure, never a shell more rough and rude,
Covered a soul more brave and true,
And the General thought, "The Captain's right.
Yes, Jim O'Mera'll do."
The orders were brief: "Ride parallel
To the breastworks of the Yanks
And see if they're manned." O'Mera bowed
And smote his good steed's flank.
He galloped amain, till parallel
The piled-up breastworks lay
Fully manned, he saw without thought of fear,
Not seventy yards away.
A cocking of rifles; a sudden flash,
And the forest rang again.
O'Mera escaped, but his horse was hit
And plunged and reared in pain.
Undaunted by the heavy fire,
O'Mera drew his rein,
And coolly fired his trusty gun
And then rode on, again.
Ah, he rode for life! The foam on his horse
Was flecked with bloody red.
The breastworks passed, the lines regained,
"They're there yit, Gin'ral," he said.
