Trumbull Stickney

Here you will find the Poem Once of poet Trumbull Stickney

Once

That day her eyes were deep as night. 
She had the motion of the rose, 
The bird that veers across the light, 
The waterfall that leaps and throws 
Its irised spindrift to the sun. 
She seemed a wind of music passing on. 

Alone I saw her that one day 
Stand in the window of my life. 
Her sudden hand melted away 
Under my lips, and without strife 
I held her in my arms awhile 
And drew into my lips her living smile, -- 

Now many a day ago and year! 
Since when I dream and lie awake 
In summer nights to feel her near, 
And from the heavy darkness break 
Glitters, till all my spirit swims 
And her hand hovers on my shaking limbs. 

If once again before I die 
I drank the laughter of her mouth 
And quenched my fever utterly, 
I say, and should it cost my youth, 
'T were well! for I no more should wait 
Hammering midnight on the doors of fate.