Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIBIDO by RUPERT BROOKE

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW SHOULD I KNOW? THE ENORMOUS WHEELS OF WILL
Last Line: QUIETER THAN A DEAD MAN ON A BED.
Subject(s): DESIRE; SOLDIERS' WRITINGS;
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.





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