Poems (Kennedy)/Le Chemin Des Dames

by Sara Beaumont Kennedy

LE CHEMIN DES DAMES

THROUGH Picardy, where blossoms blend,
Through far Champagne, a journey's end,
  It winds away, the ancient road.
Long, long ago 'twas builded there
That royal ladies forth might fare
  And journey on a pleasure quest
    To distant court.

There silken mantels caught the breeze
Where powdered beauties took their ease
  In gilded coaches satin-lined.
And cavaliers, all gaily dressed,
Rode at the side, and song and jest
  Filled every passing wind with joy
    Of life and love.

Long, long ago! Now war's hot brand
Has seared the sweet Picardy land
  And blurred Champagne with blood;
And up and down "The Ladies' Way"
The hell-hounds yelp all night and day
  With snarl of bursting shot and shell
    And roar of guns.

The only silk that flutters free
Is banner of stern men who see
  Death beckon at each onward curve.
And where red flowers in phalanx stood
The crimson now is patriot blood
  Of demi-gods who hold the road
    Against the Hun.

*******

And yet, perchance, some moon-white night
The sentries catch a strange weird sight:
  A phantom company goes past—
The spectral coach where beauties lean,
The ghostly gallants all are seen
  As they rode down "The Ladies" Way"
    So long, so long ago!