Rupert Brooke (1887–1915). Collected Poems. 1916.
II. 1908–191119. Libido
H
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.
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.