Versamelde gedigte

Revision (1914-1942)

Not now, sweet England, as in days long mouldered,

to boast your skies high heaven enough of mine -

as when the boots I wore, the gun I shouldered,

seemed part and parcel of a scheme divine:

parcel ridiculous yet link essential

'twixt dust below and breath above your sword;

the scheme not understood, but consequential

to all we were, thanks to our blessed Lord!

No longer can I fight so ... nor shall dare

claim that your wealth of woodland, pasture, stream,

your stir of city, grace of spire a-dream,

merit God's signal and belligerent care -

till, through these pains which herald your re-birth,

joy be delivered humbly to the Earth!

Cape Times, 2 Mei 1942