Robert Graves (1895–1985). Fairies and Fusiliers. 1918.
21. The Spoilsport
M
Comes to see what he can see,
Critic, son of Conscious Brain,
Spying on our privacy.
Yet he’ll enter in and stay;
In tomorrow’s book he’ll score
Indiscretions of today.
How their echoes fly about!
None escape his watchful ears,
Every sigh might be a shout.
Turn away this grim spoilsport;
No fine lady’s pleading eyes,
Neither love, nor hate, nor … port.
Speaks no word of blame nor praise,
Counts our kisses one by one,
Notes each gesture, every phrase.
Stands or squats where suits him best;
Critic, son of Conscious Brain,
Listens, watches, takes no rest.