Ivor Gurney - To england, a note
Channel: PoetryProse Project
Date: 2015-03-24

Written in the trenches of World War One.

I watched the boys of England where they went 
Through mud and water to do appointed things. 
See one a stake, and one wire-netting brings, 
And one comes slowly under a burden bent 
Of ammunition. Though the strength be spent 
They " carry on " under the shadowing wings 
Of Death the ever-present. And hark, one sings 
Although no joy from the grey skies be lent. 

Are these the heroes — these ? have kept from 

you 
The power of primal savagery so long ? 
Shall break the devil's legions ? These they are 
Who do in silence what they might boast to do ; 
In the height of battle tell the world in song 
How they do hate and fear the face of War.