After Loos / Patrick MacGill

After Loos

(Cafe Pierre le Blanc, Nouex les Mines, Michaelmas Eve, 1915.)


Was it only yesterday
Lusty comrades marched away?
Now they're covered up with clay.

Seven glasses used to be
Called for six good mates and me —
Now we only call for three.

Little crosses neat and white,
Looking lonely every night,
Tell of comrades killed in fight.

Hearty fellows they have been,
And no more will they be seen
Drinking wine in Nouex les Mines.

Lithe and supple lads were they,
Marching merrily away —
Was it only yesterday?

~~

Patrick MacGill (1889-1963)

from Soldier Songs, 1917

[Poem is in the public domain in Canada and the United States]

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