Poems (Kennedy)/Le Chemin Des Dames
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 thereThat royal ladies forth might fare And journey on a pleasure quest To distant court.
There silken mantels caught the breezeWhere 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 brandHas 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 freeIs banner of stern men who see Death beckon at each onward curve.And where red flowers in phalanx stoodThe crimson now is patriot blood Of demi-gods who hold the road Against the Hun.
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And yet, perchance, some moon-white nightThe 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!