"I followed the bearers, for far—and far,—
They travel wherever the wounded are.
"Picket and sentry, and the men who fly,
Made the holy sign as I hurried by."
"Here and there where the grass was red,
I stopped for a moment beside the dead.
"I pressed my lips to their tunic's hem,—
And often I folded the hands of them.
"But I could not stay,—and when dawn was near,
You called again—and I found you here."
"O Sweet—no more!" I said. "Tell me no more!
For Peace has come in through the morning's door.
"There is only this at the end of my quest—
Only you—and Love—and a spirit at rest."
*****
Then came the bearers to lift me away—
But beside me her shadow moved—tender and grey.