Rupert Brooke (1887–1915). Collected Poems. 1916.
I. 1905–190814. Dawn
(From the train between Bologna and Milan, second class.)
O
Through sullen swirling gloom we jolt and roar.
We have been here for ever: even yet
A dim watch tells two hours, two aeons, more.
The windows are tight-shut and slimy-wet
With a night’s fœtor. There are two hours more;
Two hours to dawn and Milan; two hours yet.
Opposite me two Germans sweat and snore.…
The darkness shivers. A wan light through the rain Strikes on our faces, drawn and white. Somewhere A new day sprawls; and, inside, the foul air Is chill, and damp, and fouler than before.… Opposite me two Germans sweat and snore.