THE SLEEP
Love in a life and after life—the Sleep!
And we hang on a word, a look, and keep
The pulses throbbing,—make the Spark burn low,—
And close the Book, to laugh perhaps, to weep
Most surely! if, oh gods! we may but know
Love in life!
Our burning hands we raise
For dear palms’ clasp, and kisses on the lips,
And close embrace.
We give our nights and days,
In the one draught delectable our spirits steep,
Forgetting—(whilst the lights of Love eclipse—)
The Sleep.