Opposite me two Germans snore and sweat...

Opposite me two Germans snore and sweat.

Through sullen swirling gloom we jolt and roar.

We have been here for ever: even yet

A dim watch tells two hours, two aeons, more.

The windows are tight-shut and slimy-wet

With a night's foetor. There are two hours more;

Two hours to dawn and Milan; two hours yet.

Opposite me two Germans sweat and snore....

One of them wakes, and spits, and sleeps again.

The darkness shivers. A wan light through the rain

Strikes on our faces, drawn and white. Somewhere

A new day sprawls; and, inside, the foul air

Is chill, and damp, and fouler than before....

Opposite me two Germans sweat and snore.