James Khan

Tranquility (Trijan refrain)

The fallow fells of la Boiselle
Befouled by blood and bomb
And sunken shafts are paths to Hell, 
The Styx that was the Somme
Tranquility, un canal morte, 
Embankments limned with life cut short, 
Tranquility, 
Tranquility, 
I see old Scotland in my thoughts, 


The hoar of war obscures the scar 
That rips the battle-lines, 
The blasted bones of Lochnagar, 
A bowl of burning mines, 
Tranquility, un nom tragique 
And if she could the Somme would speak, 
Tranquility, 
Tranquility, 
Serene as scenes from Glen Coe peak


Hear Ovillers, just over there, 
A fringe of fire and smoke 
And chlorine cloys the noxious air 
So those that live may choke, 
Tranquility, chantez pour nous,  
So we may see this souffrance through, 
Tranquility, 
Tranquility, 
The Lord will send me home to you.