Poems (Jenkins)/The Dead Comrade
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The Dead Comrade
"COURAGE, invention, mirth we ill can spare
Lie lost with him, the greatest loss of all,
We grudge to well-won rest
His swiftness to devise and dare
That never failed the call."
Lie lost with him, the greatest loss of all,
We grudge to well-won rest
His swiftness to devise and dare
That never failed the call."
Thus they all spoke together of the dead
Who was their comrade many a dark hour through,
As one whose work was ended quite,
But he that held him dearest said
Nothing, for well he knew
Who was their comrade many a dark hour through,
As one whose work was ended quite,
But he that held him dearest said
Nothing, for well he knew
His friend forsook them not in dying.
—Often above the din he seemed to hear
His well-known voice beloved,
Often in mud and darkness lying,
Felt he was working near,
—Often above the din he seemed to hear
His well-known voice beloved,
Often in mud and darkness lying,
Felt he was working near,
By star-shell light oft with that commonplace
Familiar kindness knowing not surprise
Just as in other nights now lost,
Suddenly glimpsed his face,
Unchanged the same sleep-burdened eyes,
Familiar kindness knowing not surprise
Just as in other nights now lost,
Suddenly glimpsed his face,
Unchanged the same sleep-burdened eyes,
Whimsical brows and laughter-lifted lip;
And turned again to labours lighter grown,
Glad of that unforgetful soul's
Imperishable fellowship
That left him not to serve alone.
And turned again to labours lighter grown,
Glad of that unforgetful soul's
Imperishable fellowship
That left him not to serve alone.