Our Boys, and Other Poems

This modest volume offers a window into the mind of a remarkably precocious child poet, whose verses were penned before his tenth birthday. Written during the final year of the First World War, the poems capture the earnest patriotism and hopeful spirit of a generation called to service. The language is simple yet surprisingly articulate, reflecting a tender love for country, family, and the natural world.

Readers will find a lively mix—from marching boys and heartfelt tributes to a brother in uniform, to playful musings on storms, roosters, and the joys of a sunny smile. Even the more whimsical pieces, like the call to save pennies for thrift stamps, retain a sincere desire to contribute to a greater cause. Together, the verses form a charming mosaic of youthful optimism, bravery, and the everyday wonders that shaped a young poet’s view of a world in turmoil.