The Poetry Corner

The Happy Night

By John Collings Squire, Sir

I have loved to-night; from love's last bordering steep I have fallen at last with joy and forgotten the shore; I have known my love to-night as never before, I have flung myself in the deep, and drawn from the deep, And kissed her lightly, and left my beloved to sleep. And now I sit in the night and my heart is still: Strong and secure; there is nothing that's left to will, There is nothing to win but only a thing to keep. And I look to-night, completed and not afraid, Into the windy dark where shines no light; And care not at all though the darkness never should fade, Nor fear that death should suddenly come to-night. Knowing my last would be surely my bravest breath, I am happy to-night: I have laughed to-night at death.