<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">Easter Day, 1917—The Eve of the Battle</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">I ROSE and watched the eternal giant of fire</p><p class="line">Renew his struggle with the grey monk Dawn,</p><p class="line">Slowly supreme, though broadening streaks of blood</p><p class="line">Besmirch the threadbare cloak, and pour his flood.</p><p class="line">Of life and strength on our yet sleeping choir.</p><p class="line">As I went out to church on Easter morn.</p></div><div class="stanza"><p class="line">Returning with the song of birds and men</p><p class="line">Acclaiming victory of throbbing life,</p><p class="line">I saw the fairies of the morning shower</p><p class="line">Giving to drink each waking blade and flower,</p><p class="line">I saw the new world take Communion then—</p><p class="line">And now 'tis night and we return to strife.</p></div><p>Huts, France, April, 1917.</p></body></html> · Great War