Box On [poem, 18 January 1918]

[Editor: A poem published in Aussie: The Australian Soldiers’ Magazine, no. 1, 18 January 1918.]

Box On.

The gong has sounded, you take your stand
In the midst of the ring of Life,
“Box on” is your first and your last command
As you enter the worldly strife.

“Box on.” Be careful, keep off the ropes,
Are words from your seconds — your friends,
Encouraging words that strengthen your hopes
In the fight on which all depends.

“Box on.” Lend a hand to the man who’s down.
Strike not, assist him to rise.
’Tis as easy to smile as it is to frown —
The smile brings you nearer the prize.

“Box on.” Play fair, though the fight be long
And the punishment be severe,
If your cause be just and your heart be strong,
The verdict you need not fear.

Jos. P. O’Carroll.

Source:
Aussie: The Australian Soldiers’ Magazine, no. 1, 18 January 1918, page 9