A. E. Housman (1859–1936)

Is my team ploughing 1896

“Is my team ploughing,

That I was used to drive

And hear the harness jingle

When I was man alive?”

Ay, the horses trample, 5

The harness jingles now;

No change though you lie under

The land you used to plough.

“Is football playing

Along the river shore, 10

With lads to chase the leather,

Now I stand up no more?”

Ay, the ball is flying,

The lads play heart and soul;

The goal stands up, the keeper 15

Stands up to keep the goal.

“Is my girl happy,

That I thought hard to leave,

And has she tired of weeping

As she lies down at eve?” 20

Ay, she lies down lightly,

She lies not down to weep:

Your girl is well contented.

Be still, my lad, and sleep.

“Is my friend hearty, 25

Now I am thin and pine,

And has he found to sleep in

A better bed than mine?”

Yes, lad, I lie easy,

I lie as lads would choose; 30

I cheer a dead man’s sweetheart,

Never ask me whose.