We Who Have Lost

They were pursuing us along the road.

My arm was gone, and I was weak from loss of blood.

Presently a steel splinter ripped my belly;

I fell into the slimy ditch, and struggled, struggled!

Soon an officer beneath me spoke, through half a mouth:

"Be quiet, little brother, and I will show you how to lie at

ease."

Now we are at rest.

The heavy tread of the victors shakes the earth;

The loose dirt falls from the side of the ditch,

Little by little.