Page:Some soldier poets.djvu/69

Rh TO POETS

Here are shapeliness and vigour once more and, though finish and colour are to seek, there is still a marked improvement as the end comes in view.

Like other soldier poets, Sorley is anxious to think well of Death, whom he addresses:

I.

have adored the lofty soul of you.

Poets have whitened at your high renown.

We stand among the many millions who

Do hourly wait to pass your pathway down.

You, so familiar, once were strange: we tried

To live as of your presence unaware.

But now in every road, on every side,

We see your straight and steadfast signpost here.

I think it like that signpost in my land,

Hoary and tall, which pointed me to go Rh