RETREAT

Broken, bewildered by the long retreat

Across the stifling leagues of southern plain,

Across the scorching leagues of trampled grain,

Half-stunned, half-blinded, by the trudge of feet

And dusty smother of the August heat,

He dreamt of flowers in an English lane,

Of hedgerow flowers glistening after rain —

All-heal and willow-herb and meadow-sweet.

All-heal and willow-herb and meadow-sweet —

The innocent names kept up a cool refrain —

All-heal and willow-herb and meadow-sweet,

Chiming and tinkling in his aching brain,

Until he babbled like a child again —

“All-heal and willow-herb and meadow-sweet.”