Armistice by Sophie Jewett

To join this community on Patreon, click here:⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/welcome2thepoetrypodcast⁠⁠*This poem was read at 2 am in my new kitchen after moving house. Please enjoy with the characterful refrigerator sound in the background.* ARMISTICEBy Sophie Jewett (1861-1909)The water sings along our keel,The wind falls to a whispering breath;I look into your eyes and feelNo fear of life or death;So near is love, so far awayThe losing strife of yesterday.We watch the swallow skim and dip;Some magic bids the world be still;Life stands with finger upon lip;Love hath his gentle will;Though hearts have bled, and tears have burned,The river floweth unconcerned.We pray the fickle flag of truceStill float deceitfully and fair;Our eyes must love its sweet abuse;This hour we will not care,Though just beyond to-morrow's gate,Arrayed and strong, the battle wait.