That day her eyes were deep as night. <br />She had the motion of the rose, <br />The bird that veers across the light, <br />The waterfall that leaps and throws <br />Its irised spindrift to the sun. <br />She seemed a wind of music passing on. <br /> <br />Alone I saw her that one day <br />Stand in the window of my life. <br />Her sudden hand melted away <br />Under my lips, and without strife <br />I held her in my arms awhile <br />And drew into my lips her living smile, -- <br /> <br />Now many a day ago and year! <br />Since when I dream and lie awake <br />In summer nights to feel her near, <br />And from the heavy darkness break <br />Glitters, till all my spirit swims <br />And her hand hovers on my shaking limbs. <br /> <br />If once again before I die <br />I drank the laughter of her mouth <br />And quenched my fever utterly, <br />I say, and should it cost my youth, <br />'T were well! for I no more should wait <br />Hammering midnight on the doors of fate.<br /><br />Trumbull Stickney<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/once-2/
