“War was a fiend who stopped our clocks

Although we met him grim and gay.”

And then he’ll speak of Haig’s last drive,

Marvelling that any came alive

Out of the shambles that men built

And smashed, to cleanse the world of guilt.

But the boys, with grin and sidelong glance,

Will think, “Poor grandad’s day is done.”

And dream of those who fought in France

And lived in time to share the fun.