Classic Poem

We kissed as Lovers do — last night,
With just a wistful lingering,
A half-feigned comedy of fright —
A hint of hope for fond good-nights
That fonder silence bring.

To-night we part as soldiers do,
The eve of battle sundering;
Can this be real — for me, for you —
To-morrow and to-morrow too?
Scant words, a startled wondering.

We spoke no treason of good-bye —
The bugle sounding called for me,
We kissed at daybreak — on the sky
Dawn's crimson writing cited thee
For love's " peculiar bravery."