Libido

By Rupert Brooke

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.