ONE HARD LOOK
—Robert Graves
Small gnats that fly
In hot July
And lodge in sleeping ears,
Can rouse therein
A trumpets din
With Day of Judgement fears.
Small mice at night
Can wake more fright
Than lions at midday;
A straw will crack
The camels back—
There is no easier way.
One smile relieves
A heart that grieves
Though deadly sad it be,
And one hard look
Can close the book
That lovers love to see.