Part 1 — DON'T WEAKEN

When you feel on the bum and the outlook is glum, And you're wonderin' what's comin' next; When most every thing's drear and life loses its cheer, And the Skip and Reverses are vexed; If this Plattsburgish heat knocks you clean off your feet, Or your bunkies they ain't even speakin'; Keep your shirt on your back, don't knock over the stack, It's a great life, if you don't weaken. When they launder your sock till it ain't fit to hock, When they shrink up your shirt like a rag; If you blister your toes and then sunburn your nose And then can't even go on a jag; Why, you're sure out of luck, but just pass the old buck, Keep a stiff upper lip like a deacon; Though you shoot ten straight blanks do not kick with the cranks, Summon a grin and don't weaken. If you're late for retreat and must police the street, If at reveille you're still in your bed; If your girl sends you flags which some other cuss bags, Or they clip all the hair off your head; If the mess comes out burned, So your stomach gets turned, Or the "upper man" keeps you from sleepin'; Don't you growl, that won't help, For they'll dub you a whelp; Can the grouch—but don't weaken.