Shirt and Comb

I came home downcast that day
The bearer of bad news
She smiled at me as I came in
As I stood there in my muddy shoes

I loved her so my poor heart cracked
To tell her what I told
Her smile froze, her mouth went slack
And my grief oppressed me doublefold

I said "I'm not the master of my fate
That I would wish to be
I'm leaving now, I can't be late
They ship out tonight and they're taking me."

"Our mission's still a mystery
I'm just one of many men
Who must leave their home and family
And who might not pass this way again."

She said "I will join your company
I'm not afraid or weak
I will bind my breasts and crop my hair
And I'll speak low just like a boy would speak."

"You cannot come with me my love
They don't take volunteers
But there's one thing to you I swear
Though I may be gone for years."

"I swear no shirt shall ever touch my skin
Nor comb go through my hair
But I'll think of the bed you're in
And wish that I were lying with you there."