The Chances

I mind as 'ow the night afore that show         Us five got talking,--we was in the know,         "Over the top to-morrer; boys, we're for it,         First wave we are, first ruddy wave; that's tore it."         "Ah well," says Jimmy,--an' 'e's seen some scrappin'--         "There ain't more nor five things as can 'appen;         Ye get knocked out; else wounded--bad or cushy;         Scuppered; or nowt except yer feeling mushy."         One of us got the knock-out, blown to chops.         T'other was hurt, like, losin' both 'is props.         An' one, to use the word of 'ypocrites,         'Ad the misfortoon to be took by Fritz.         Now me, I wasn't scratched, praise God Almighty         (Though next time please I'll thank 'im for a blighty),         But poor young Jim, 'e's livin' an' 'e's not;         'E reckoned 'e'd five chances, an' 'e's 'ad;         'E's wounded, killed, and pris'ner, all the lot--         The ruddy lot all rolled in one. Jim's mad.