American Field Service Bulletin
American Field Service
Service Automobile Américain
Aux Armées Françaises
September 15, 1917
No 11
AMERICAN STEEL
His eyes see not, no more he hears the boom
Of barrage, mitrailleuse, or sniper’s whine;
With senses dulled in opiated brine,
The sleeping poilu breathes a sad perfume .
He dreams that round his trench wild roses bloom,
His lips athirst are dewed by fragrant wine
Of cool caresses… and white arms entwine
Him tenderly by war’s gray, ashey tomb.
Alone in fields of poppy with her slain,
Incarnate France sublimely bares her soul
To sorrow’s last epitome – Lorraine –
And hears omniscent lips of God parole:
“America sends sons of steel to chain
“Blood-reeking Mars where German thunders roll!”