REQUIESCAT IN PEACE.

Dedicated to the memory of my dearest friend, D. H. Davies, Gwynfryn, Llanybyther, killed in action August, 1916.

I little thought,
When last we jested round the evening fire
And spoke of days to come, calm days of peace
And children’s voice called us – called us higher,
How soon his voice would cease!

I little thought,
When from the shadow’d chair in accents hushed
He spoke of his “good comrade,” pure and sweet,
How soon the chalice from his eager hand
Would shatter at his feet!

I little thought,
When with an eager step he marched along
With Britain’s bravest sons in battle’s garb,
That he – the noblest of that noble throng
So soon would feel death’s barb!

You tell me now
His tired body lies in that far land,
Dust are the grand, inspiring thoughts of your.
Ay! But that eager soul that led the van
Goes on for evermore!

Ours the dull ache
The pain we know – the sorrow and the loss.
The glory his – who died for honour’s sake
And helped to bear “The Cross.”

(Rev.) D. T. L. STEWART.
Ripley in Derbyshire, 1916