"Twice a week the winter thorough...," by A. E. Housman

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XVII. "Twice a week the winter thorough..."
by A. E. Housman (1859-1936)

Twice a week the winter thorough
Here stood I to keep the goal:
Football then was fighting sorrow
For the young man's soul.

Now in Maytime to the wicket
Out I march with bat and pad:
See the son of grief at cricket
Trying to be glad.

Try I will: no harm in trying:
Wonder 'tis how little mirth
Keeps the bones of man from lying
On the bed of earth.