THE MORNING BEFORE THE BATTLE

To-day, the fight: my end is very soon,

And sealed the warrant limiting my hours:

I knew it walking yesterday at noon

Down a deserted garden full of flowers.

... Carelessly sang, pinned roses on my breast,

Reached for a cherry-bunch—and then, then, Death

Blew through the garden from the North and East

And blighted every beauty with chill breath.