By Dr Oliver Tearle (Loughborough University)
Alun Lewis (1915-44) is one of the best-known English poets of the Second World War. Lewis wrote ‘Goodbye’ about his first night with his wife.
Goodbye
So we must say Goodbye, my darling,
And go, as lovers go, for ever;
Tonight remains, to pack and fix on labels
And make an end of lying down together.
I put a final shilling in the gas,
And watch you slip your dress below your knees
And lie so still I hear your rustling comb
Modulate the autumn in the trees.