A Shropshire Lad - XXVII

by A. E. Housman

    "Is my team ploughing,
    That I was used to drive
    And hear the harness jingle
    When I was man alive?"

    Ay, the horses trample,
    The harness jingles now;
    No change though you lie under
    The land you used to plough.

    "Is football playing
    Along the river shore,
    With lads to chase the leather,
    Now I stand up no more?"

    Ay, the ball is flying,
    The lads play heart and soul;
    The goal stands up, the keeper
    Stands up to keep the goal.

    "Is my girl happy,
    That I thought hard to leave,
    And has she tired of weeping
    As she lies down at eve?"

    Ay, she lies down lightly,
    She lies not down to weep:
    Your girl is well contented.
    Be still, my lad, and sleep.

    "Is my friend hearty,
    Now I am thin and pine,
    And has he found to sleep in
    A better bed than mine?"

    Yes, lad, I lie easy,
    I lie as lads would choose;
    I cheer a dead man's sweetheart,
    Never ask me whose.