38. Not Dead. Graves, Robert. 1918. Fairies and Fusiliers

Robert Graves (1895–1985). Fairies and Fusiliers. 1918.

38. Not Dead


WALKING through trees to cool my heat and pain,
I know that David’s with me here again.
All that is simple, happy, strong, he is.
Caressingly I stroke
Rough bark of the friendly oak.	5
A brook goes bubbling by: the voice is his.
Turf burns with pleasant smoke;
I laugh at chaffinch and at primroses.
All that is simple, happy, strong, he is.
Over the whole wood in a little while	10
Breaks his slow smile.