Smudgy dawn scarfed in military colours <br />Northward, and flowing wider like slow sea water, <br />Woke in lilac and elm and almost among garden flowers. <br />Birds a multitude; increasing as it made lighter. <br />Nothing but I moved by railings there; slept sweeter <br />Than kings the country folk in thatch or slate shade, <br />Peace had the grey West, fleece clouds sure in its power, <br />Out on much-Severn I thought waves readied for laughter <br />And the fire-swinger promised behind elm pillars <br />A day worthy such beginning to come after.<br /><br />Ivor Gurney<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/smudgy-dawn/
