Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1898-06-09
Home, Sweet Home.

WORD nome, anu WOflu Ol Sunsnlhc
in Sweet Home" We who are accus-
toned only to the surroundings OF a
happy home can not portray the sad
ness it brings to be deprived OF even
the most humble home. And, strange
to say, a man feels the loss more keen
ly than woman.
The mobilizing of troops all over our
glorious country has virtually broken
many a happy home, even If for pa
triotic cause. War makes no excep-
tions! All classes Of men are massed
together, each to share like hardships,
and for him who has been hardened by
an adventurous life il makes little diff
ference. But not so with those who
have left happy faces and coy homes.
The one has been cast about upon the
dizzy whirl Of life, perhaps from in
fancy. He is at "home" wherever he
hangs his hat, be that in luxuriant
quarters or under the canopy OF Gods
great tent. Privation has hardened
him until he knows no better. Per.
haps the litter of straw, the canvas
tent and the rudely cooked messes are
just to his fancy. 1t affords excitement
and he has been bred and raised in it.
But, ah, here is one who misses his
'home, sweet home" He is the fiaxen-
haired youth accustomed to good
home, tender care OF a loving mother,
and the comforts of affectionate sisters.
He has been gone week, yet it seems
an age to him since his mother, with
careworn countenance and tear stained
eyes, kissed her only son "adieu." He
may be ever so patriotic and brave, yet
his heart bids him flee from the hard
ships of soldiers life and return to
the coy home and tender cares OF
mother and sisters. But, alas, he dare
not turn fugitive. Worry, rations and
quarters have left their traces upon his
face. Mechanically he goes through
the daily drill, and after companies are
dismissed he seeks secluded spot to
think. To think of home. His more
hardened comrades readily perceive his
sadness; he has probably said word
or so to one of them, and instead of
sympathy he receives jeers and pretty
boy where's your nurse?" docs your
mamma know your here?' and at meals
such remarks as .Pass the tapioco to
the little pet" or "wheres your bib,
deary." To resent would only make
matters worse. During all leisure time
he broods over the tribulations he is
undergoing.
See, here's the mail, and, yes, letter
for him from home. The contents can
be readily guessed. A worrying mother
and anxious sisters far away. He re-
tires to his tent TO weep alone and TO
reply in the same strain. Their letter
tears asunder his wounds; his will have
like effect upon them. Illness over
takes him, and he is brought to the
roughly constructed hospital to receive
Drill, the only thing to break his monot-
onous worry, is dispensed with, and af-
fords him exclusive time to think of
home and former happiness. He raves
of home in feverish delirium, yet his
mother dare not know his sad plight.
He gradually improves or, in order
to leave the hospital, he feigns being
we'll and takes up again the daily rou-
tine of camp life.
Sunset is spreading over the camp,
and gradually night spreads her veil
over the white tented bivouac BY the
pickering candle light he pens a letter
to his mother. Writing home and
thinking of the dear ones are the only
occupation he can find for his mind.
Seated on a crude seat, perhaps a
soap case or a stump OF tree, he buries
his head in his hands while fond recol-
lections pass through his mind. He is
aroused by the shrill bugle calling
"taps or lights out" when all save the
pickets must retire. ''Sleep, ah yes,
il could only sleep as did at home, :"
he muses. to himself Rolling himself
in his blanket, he stretches himself
upon the straw-covered ground, glad
that another day is drawing to close.
Tired and weary he falls asleep to
dream OF home. He pictures himself
marching into his native town, covered
alike with dust and glory, and then, as
he proudly wends his way to the dear,
old home, he sees his gray-haired
mother awaiting him with open arms.
He feels himself smothered with kisses
from his glad-hearted sisters, and
when suddenly he is awakened by
voices. He finds he has been dream
ing, and half awake he listens. A
quartet OF soldiers in the next tent are
singing, and though the harmony is
not perfect, the night and surroundings
give the song melodious effect He
rubs his eyes to make sure he isn't at
home, and upon his ears fall the words
BE il ever so humble, there's no place
like home, sweet home