“I am an exalted shadow encumbered I wear my uniform those who have died for me brutally have fought a just war I present myself to the face of God I am loyal to the word given mad blood to steep in the pit of my hands I kill like a longsword my limbs trembling I grit my teeth I look on my army in the midst of manoeuvres little soldiers red and white I advance quickly hands flying then cries I withdraw a moment later I am killed divine vision but what is it to love […]”
You can now get my translation of Marie-Laure Dagoit’s Cheffe de Bataille from her website: www.weekendpoetry.com