This poem is taken from PN Review 30, Volume 9 Number 4, March - April 1983.
Notes from a War Diary H. J. B. 1914-191 Madelon
This is the song the poilus sing,
Madelon! Madelon! Madelon!
'Et chacun lui raconte une histoire,
Une histoire à sa façon.'
A captured goat in the Canteen Car,
Driven by 'Darky' Robinson,
Magpies, poppies and marguerites,
Crosses are wreathed among the corn.
'Glorious weather all the time',
(Shelling of Ablois St Martin,)
To a walnut tree, by the Villa des Fleurs,
Faux-Fresnay, Vaux, Courcemain.
He's never seen two prettier girls,
With manners to match, pink dresses on,
Little Monique, Jacqueline,
...
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