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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOU by LOUIS UNTERMEYER

Poet Analysis

First Line: IS THIS YOUR BODY THAT MY FINGERS TOUCH?
Last Line: AND MY WHITE DREAM OF PEACE.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; LOVE;

Is this your body that my fingers touch?
And are these lips but lips, that can reveal
Splendor of marching skies -- so much
More than the flesh can feel?

Under the savage heat and rude desire
A sudden glory breaks, half-felt, half-seen;
I rise upon a sea of singing fire
That lifts and sweeps me clean.

The rumble and the clash of war have gone
Into my blood that shouts its battle-cry!
Even your beauty keeps me struggling on
Toward that for which men die.

You hold me closely, yet you set me free
For unknown battles with a great release;
You are my red desire of victory
And my white dream of peace.



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