Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Siegfried Sassoon (1886–1967). Picture-Show. 1920.

24. Parted

SLEEPLESS I listen to the surge and drone

And drifting roar of the town’s undertone;

Till through quiet falling rain I hear the bells

Tolling and chiming their brief tune that tells

Day’s midnight end. And from the day that’s over

No flashes of delight I can recover;

But only dreary winter streets, and faces

Of people moving in loud clanging places:

And I in my loneliness, longing for you…

For all I did to-day, and all I’ll do

To-morrow, in this city of intense

Arteried activities that throb and strive,

Is but a beating down of that suspense

Which holds me from your arms.
I am alive

Only that I may find you at the end

Of these slow-striking hours I toil to spend,

Putting each one behind me, knowing but this—

That all my days are turning toward your kiss;

That all expectancy awaits the deep

Consoling passion of your eyes, that keep

Their radiance for my coming, and their peace

For when I find in you my love’s release.