I watched the boys of England where they went <br />Through mud and water to do appointed things. <br />See one a stake, and one wire-netting brings, <br />And one comes slowly under a burden bent <br />Of ammunition. Though the strength be spent <br />They 'carry on' under the shadowing wings <br />Of Death the ever-present. And hark, one sings <br />Although no joy from the grey skies be lent. <br /> <br />Are these the heroes-these? have kept from you <br />The power of primal savagery so long? <br />Shall break the devil's legions? These they are <br />Who do in silence what they might boast to do; <br />In the height of battle tell the world in song <br />How they do hate and fear the face of War.<br /><br />Ivor Gurney<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-england-a-note/
