ATAVISM

I feel all primal and savage to-day.

I could eat and drink deep and love strong

I could fight and exult and boast and be glad!

I could tear out the life of a wild thing and laugh at it!

I could crush into panting submission the breast of a woman

A-stray from her tribe and her smoke-stained tent-door!

I could glory in folly and fire and ruin,

And race naked-limbed with the wind,

And slink on the heels of my foes

And dabble their blood on my brows —

For to-day I am sick of it all,

This silent and orderly empty life,

And I feel all savage again!