Christmas Guard 1939

Once on this night other men
Watched by the silent sheep;
Here as guards we stand again,
But herded men now keep
Their dazed minds dulled in sleep.

Unwavering they by wonders led
Sought peace and endless life;
While we with doubtful footsteps tread
The nightmare paths of strife,
Our badge the murderer's knife.

For them the breaking of the day
On a dark earth reborn:
For us dread portents of decay
On livid sunsets drawn,
And little hope of dawn.

⋜ Dec. 1939