War’s Embers, and Other Verses by Ivor Gurney

At Reserve Depot

When Spring comes here with early innocency Of pale high blue, they’ll put Revally back. The passers-by carelessly amused will see Breakfastless boys killing the patient sack.

And there will be manœuvres where the violet shows, Hiding its dark fervour, guarding its flame, Where I shall lie and stare while the mystery grows Huge and more huge, till the Sergeant calls my name.

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