Sunday WW1 Remembered...

LAST LEAVE

by

Eileen Newton

Let us forget tomorrow! For tonight 

At least, with curtains drawn, and driftwood piled 

On our own hearthstone, we may rest, and see 

The firelight flickering on familiar walls. 

(How the blue flames leap when an ember falls!) 

Peace, and content, and soul-security— 

These are within. Without, the waste is wild 

With storm-clouds sweeping by in furious flight, 

And ceaseless beating of autumnal rain 

Upon our window pane. 

The dusk grows deeper now, the flames are low: 

We do not heed the shadows, you and I, 

Nor fear the grey wings of encroaching gloom, 

So softly they enfold us. One last gleam 

Flashes and flits, elusive as a dream, 

And then dies out upon the darkened room. 

So, even so, our earthly fires must die; 

Yet, in our hearts, love's flame shall leap and glow 

When this dear night, with all it means to me, 

Is but a memory!

(1918)

There is virtually no information available about Eileen Newton or her poem Last Leave

but the emotion expressed within its verse is heartfelt and rather beautiful as this couple share a last night of intimacy.



*~*~*