THE RUINS I fall on my knees, and then full length.

I do what so many others have done.
I am alone on the earth, face to face with the mud, and I can no longer move.

The frightful searching of the shells alights around me.

The hoarse hurricane which does not know me is yet trying to find the place where I am! Then the battle goes away, and its departure is heartrending.

In spite of all my efforts, the noise of the firing fades and I am alone; the wind blows and I am naked.
I shall remain nailed to the ground.