The Future as the Background
He just rode up here again
sittin' on that thoroughbred
he calls Vic, such a pretty
sorrel horse with four white socks
he gets prancin' and dancin'
on our parade ground. The man,
so arrogant in buckskins
and plumed hat, said he needs speed
in his battle horse, quickness
for fast charges, nimbleness
to evade determined foes.
The way he can maneuver
that horse is awe-inspirin'!
Much as everyone dislikes
him, we know he wins battles,
so if we march to the west
after Indians, as rumors
keep sayin', there's a good chance
we'll come back, and that horse'll
keep him safe in the saddle.
We watch him ride down the hill
to the fort where the Seventh
drills on horseback with ensigns
flyin'. Men work at loading
supply wagons, and we've been
hearing the regimental
band rehearse "Garry Owen,"
his favorite marching tune.
