Soldier Boy

Read 'Soldier Boy' by 'Robert William Service' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Soldier Boy by Robert William Service

 My soldier boy has crossed the sea
 To fight the foeman;
But he'll come back to make of me
 And honest woman.
So I am singing all day long,
 Despite blood-shedding;
For though I know he's done me wrong,
 We'll end by wedding.

My soldier boy is home again,
 So bold and scathless;
But oh, my heart is numb with pain
 Because he's faithless.
He's brought with him a French Mam'selle;
 They plan a marriage;
Maybe I'll go - no one will know
 Of my miscarriage.

My soldier boy has made his choice,
 She'll hold him to it;
I tell myself that I rejoice,
 May he not rue it.
But oh, that starry month of May,
 Love-words wild spoken!
I stand alone and make no moan . . .
 My heart is broken.

Form: Ballad Comments

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