Observations placeholder
Spender, Richard - Laughing Blood - Sussex defence
Identifier
029039
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Paul Nash - Pillar and Moon
A description of the experience
Sussex defence
In the midst of so much ugly metal,
Metal of gun and metal of mind,
We saw, and smiled, at little things -
At dogs and children in the road;
At moths in tasselled grasses; at a friendly horse,
Oak-apples, tall buttercups and pigeon cotes!
Grant me the gift that you have shown today,
God of all beautiful, of all strong things -
And I can see bayonets as the rushes' blades
And bullets as the rain upon a pond.
Then I shall know you in the battle,
And in the battle reach my furthest home.