Smudgy Dawn

Smudgy dawn scarfed in military colours
Northward, and flowing wider like slow sea water,
Woke in lilac and elm and almost among garden flowers.
Birds a multitude; increasing as it made lighter.
Nothing but I moved by railings there; slept sweeter
Than kings the country folk in thatch or slate shade,
Peace had the grey West, fleece clouds sure in its power,
Out on much-Severn I thought waves readied for laughter
And the fire-swinger promised behind elm pillars
A day worthy such beginning to come after.