Page:Poems of the Great War - Cunliffe.djvu/132

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106 WILFRID WILSON GIBSON

Yes, they were all there safe. He hoped they'ld win Back to their lines in safety. They deserved, Even if they were Germans . . . 'Twas no sin To wish them luck. Think how that beggar swerved Just in the nick of time !

He, too, must try To win back to the lines, though, likely as not, He'ld take the wrong turn : but he couldn't lie Forever in that hungry hole and rot. He'd got to take his luck, to take his chance Of being sniped by foes or friends. He'ld be With any luck in Germany or France Or Kingdom-come, next morning . . ,

Drearily The blazing day burnt over him. Shot and shell Whistling and whining ceaselessly. But light Faded at last, and as the darkness fell He rose, and crawled away into the night.

— Wilfrid Wilson Gibson.

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