After Many Days, by D. H. Lawrence

After Many Days

I WONDER if with you, as it is with me,
If under your slipping words, that easily flow
About you as a garment, easily,
        Your violent heart beats to and fro!   Long have I waited, never once confessed,
Even to myself, how bitter the separation;
Now, being come again, how make the best
          Reparation?   If I could cast this clothing off from me,
If I could lift my naked self to you,
Or if only you would repulse me, a wound would be
          Good; it would let the ache come through.   But that you hold me still so kindly cold
Aloof my flaming heart will not allow;
Yea, but I loathe you that you should withhold
        Your pleasure now.

poems.one - D. H. Lawrence

D. H. Lawrence