Lust (first published as "Libido")

How should I know? The enormous wheels of will

Drove me cold-eyed on tired and sleepless feet.

Night was void arms and you a phantom still,

And day your far light swaying down the street.

As never fool for love, I starved for you;

My throat was dry and my eyes hot to see.

Your mouth so lying was most heaven in view,

And your remembered smell most agony.

Love wakens love! I felt your hot wrist shiver

And suddenly the mad victory I planned

Flashed real, in your burning bending head. . . .

My conqueror's blood was cool as a deep river

In shadow; and my heart beneath your hand

Quieter than a dead man on a bed.

1909

The Great Lover: The poetry, life and times of the English poet Rupert Brooke

View full sized Rupert Brooke memorial on Skyros View full sized Brooke portrait View full sized Rupert Brooke 1907 View full sized Rupert Brooke's grave 1992 View full sized Rupert Brooke Statue on Skyros View full sized Rupert Brooke 1911 View full sized Brooke portrait 1911

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