Why I Write Not To Love

By Ben Jonson

Lyric Poem
Some act of Love's bound to reherse, I thought to bind him, in my verse: Which when he felt, Away (quoth he) Can Poets hope to fetter me? It is enough, they once did get Mars, and my Mother, in their net: I weare not these my wings in vaine. With which he fled me: and againe, Into my rimes could ne're be got By any art. Then wonder not, That since, my numbers are so cold, When Love is fled, and I grow old.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant reflection on the elusive nature of love, the aging process, and the limitations of art. The speaker attempts to capture Love in their verse, suggesting a theme of the transformative power of poetry. However, Love is personified as an entity that cannot be bound or controlled by the poet, alluding to the unpredictable and uncontrollable aspects of love in real life.

The poem also engages with the theme of aging, particularly in its final lines. There is a palpable sense of melancholy and resignation as the speaker acknowledges their growing age and the departure of love, enhancing the introspective and somber tone of the poem. The structure of the poem, with its rhymed couplets, gives it a rhythmic flow, adding to the overall contemplative mood. Literary devices such as personification and allusion (to Mars and Love's Mother, referencing mythological figures) are employed to infuse depth and complexity. Despite the speaker's assertion that their "numbers are so cold," the poem is rich with emotion and layered meanings, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with love, art, and aging.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.