This sensual Irish love poem by the poet Thomas Moore delves into how much passion can move us to the point of no return, and yet return to our sense and not cross the line. The thrill is just as exciting.
Did Not by Thomas Moore
'Twas a new feeling - something more Than we had dared to own before, Which then we hid not; We saw it in each other's eye, And wished, in every half-breathed sigh, To speak, but did not.
She felt my lips' impassioned touch - 'Twas the first time I dared so much, And yet she chid not; But whispered o'er my burning brow, 'Oh, do you doubt I love you now?' Sweet soul! I did not.
Warmly I felt her bosom thrill, I pressed it closer, closer still, Though gently bid not; Till - oh! the world hath seldom heard Of lovers, who so nearly erred, And yet, who did not.
~Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852)
As an Irish poet, singer and song writer of ballads, and entertainer, Moore is best remembered for the lyrics of The Minstral Boy and the The Last Rose of Summer.