[the bigness of cannon]

the bigness of cannon

is skilful,

 

but i have seen

death’s clever enormous voice

which hides in a fragility

of poppies. . . .

 

i say that sometimes

on these long talkative animals

are laid fists of huger silence.

 

I have seen all the silence

filled with vivid noiseless boys

 

at Roupy

i have seen

between barrages,

 

the night utter ripe unspeaking girls.