the bigness of cannon

the bigness of cannon

is skilful,

but i have seen

death’s clever enormous voice

which hides in a fragility

of poppies. . . .

i say that sometimes

on these long talkative animals

are laid fists of huger silence.

I have seen all the silence

filled with vivid noiseless boys

at Roupy

i have seen

between barrages,

the night utter ripe unspeaking girls.