T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.

New Year’s Eve

By D. H. Lawrence (1885–1930)

(From Look! We Have Come Through! 1918)

THERE are only two things now,
The great black night scooped out
And this fire-glow.

This fire-glow, the core,
And we the two ripe pips	5
That are held in store.

Listen, the darkness rings
As it circulates round our fire.
Take off your things.

Your shoulders, your bruised throat!	10
Your breasts, your nakedness!
This fiery coat!

As the darkness flickers and dips,
As the firelight falls and leaps
From your feet to your lips!	15