Fifes and Drums/The Girls They Left Behind Them
THE GIRLS THEY LEFT BEHIND THEM
We are the girls that they left behind them
And this is the pride that we wear today.
We had no will to hinder or bind them,
To bid them hesitate, wait or stay.
We bade God-speed to them on their way,
Not with the sadness of hearts resigned
But glad of the call they must needs obey.
We are the girls that they left behind.
We are the girls that they left behind them,
Not as of old but to weep and pray,
But with ready hands and with wit to find them
Service fit for the part we play.
And this is the pride that we wear today
(We who are one with them heart and mind)
That they loved us and left us and marched away.
We are the girls that they left behind.
Theodosia Garrison.