EDWARD Thomas (1878-1917) wrote these self-revealing lines in 1916.

The fact that he was killed in the trenches the following year gives them extra poignancy.

THE SWIFTS

How at once should I know,

When stretched in the harvest blue

I saw the swift's black bow,

That I would not have that view

Another day

Until next May

Again it is due?

The same year after year -

But with the swift alone.

With other things I but fear

That they will be over and done

Suddenly

And I only see

Them to know them gone.