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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS FROM AN UNKNOWN IN WARTIME: 2 by BEATRICE WITTE RAVENEL

First Line: NIGHT WILL BE NIGHT, NOT THIS ENGULFING WAVE
Last Line: YOUR NEW LOVE HOLDS YOU ... WOULD I LET YOU GO?
Subject(s): WAR;

Night will be night, not this engulfing wave
Of passion-spangled wonder with whose crest
We soar ... when you are gone! I'll feel the west
New-Washed in blood each sunset; and the grave
Her dance of death will fling along the brave
Vine-tendrilled woods in bachanal garlands dressed.
The dark how deadly! Death still loves the best;
And you Death's darling, you that Death must have!

You will not come again, oh, never again.
The dawnlight, heavy with your nevermore,
Will lay a lover's hand upon my door.
The pant and yearning of all winds that blow
Will call you like my bosom, all in vain.
Your new love holds you ... Would I let you go?



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