<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The Battlefield</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Around</span> no fire the soldiers sleep to-night,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">But lie a-wearied on the ice-bound field,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">With cloaks wrapt round their sleeping forms, to shield</p><p class="line">Them from the northern winds. Ere comes the light</p><p class="line">Of morn brave men must arm, stern foes to fight.</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">The sentry stands, his limbs with cold congealed;</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">His head a-nod with sleep; he cannot yield,</p><p class="line">Though sleep and snow in deadly force unite.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Amongst the sleepers lies the Boy awake,</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">And wide-eyed plans brave glories that transcend</p><p class="line">The deeds of heroes dead; then dreams o'ertake</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">His tired-out brain, and lofty fancies blend</p><p class="line">To one grand theme, and through all barriers break</p><p class="line" style="text-indent:5%">To guard from hurt his faithful sleeping friend.</p></div><p class="byline">Sydney Oswald</p></body></html> · Great War