Erotica/Once
For works with similar titles, see Once.
Once
She kissed me once, 'twas long ago,But something subtle in me stirredAs if the vans of some great birdHad fanned my blood into a glow'Twas something wasteful, wild yet sweet,Intangible, without a name,But through my veins with sudden heatIt passed and burst into a flame—'Twas molten once that lava stream,Ran with red riotings, but now
It cannot melt the winter snowThat time has piled upon my brow!Oh! Time, how long ago it seemsSince first I dreamt those golden dreamsAnd in Love's school remained a dunce.You've robbed my locks of pristine sheen,But there's one memory always green,Immutable, you cannot steal;For still, 'twixt dusk and dawn I feelThe kiss with which she kissed me once.