<html xmlns:tei="http://www.tei-c.org/ns/1.0"><body><h1 align="" class="head">Private Claye<br xmlns:exist="http://exist.sourceforge.net/NS/exist" xmlns:html="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"/>(Killed 27th June, 1917)</h1><div class="stanza"><p class="line">FROM clay in strength our native oak-tree grows</p><p class="line">To height and girth and spread of largest span;</p><p class="line">The sweet and crimson riot of the rose;</p><p class="line">And wheat, the bread and sacrament of man.</p><p class="line">Clay built our homes, and towns of civil folk</p><p class="line">Where born were manners, arts and liberty;</p><p class="line">Clay are the pipes whence age can blow but smoke.</p><p class="line">And children orbs of bliss and vanity.</p><p class="line">This is fine clay: our common clay is finer</p><p class="line">Which England mine hath modelled not in strife</p><p class="line">To strive for England, and the Great Designer</p><p class="line">Into the nostrils breathed the breath of life.</p><p class="line">Claye, I salute what everlasting fame</p><p class="line">Informs thine ancient and illustrious name.</p></div></body></html> · Great War