<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="center" class="head">The Dear Brown Head</h1><h1 align="center" class="head"><em>James Cecil Johnston. Suvla. August 9th, 1915</em></h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line"><span class="smallcaps">Only</span> an hour ago we were fearful for you,</p><p class="line">Knowing the death and the darkness behind and before you.</p><p class="line">Years ago it might be since we were afraid.</p><p class="line">Nothing can harm you now, O dear brown head!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">You have come into port with a favouring wind;</p><p class="line">We are tossing yet in the seas unkind.</p><p class="line">All around you the light and glory are shed;</p><p class="line">We are in darkness without you, dear brown head!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Heart and soul of a boy, simple and merry,</p><p class="line">Never now to grow old, never be weary.</p><p class="line">Light in the Land of the Young is your springing tread.</p><p class="line">Long and heavy the road to you, dear brown head!</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">The House of God is full in the August days --</p><p class="line">Full of the young coming home by the bitter ways.</p><p class="line">Their beds are made near God, and the table spread,</p><p class="line">And you lying down, sitting down with them, dear brown head!</p></div></body></html> · Great War