Part 1 — THE MANUAL
Reading edition
Did you ever run into the butt of your gun, Or dig the front sight with your nose? Did your stomach turn over and stand up on end, When you dropped the damn thing on your toes? When coming to Port did the rifle fall short, And the swivel ram into your fist? When the rest did present did you so intent Find a count that the others had missed? And when at "Inspection" you clutched to perfection, Then shot up the piece with a thrust, Was there some dirty pup who pushed your cut-off up So your bolt dug a cave in the dust? Then when on the range your windage you'd change For the flag that the Anarchists wave, And the old cocking piece smeared your nose with red "grease," Did you learn what it meant to be brave? How your old back did ache when you got the bad breaks With the rifle that now has such charms, And I'll make a good bet that you'll never forget That exhausting old Manual of Arms.