Sonnet LXXII.

By Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)

Sonnet
    Più volte Amor m' avea già detto: scrivi.     HE WRITES WHAT LOVE BIDS HIM.         White--to my heart Love oftentimes had said--     Write what thou seest in letters large of gold,     That livid are my votaries to behold,     And in a moment made alive and dead.     Once in thy heart my sovran influence spread     A public precedent to lovers told;     Though other duties drew thee from my fold,     I soon reclaim'd thee as thy footsteps fled.     And if the bright eyes which I show'd thee first,     If the fair face where most I loved to stay,     Thy young heart's icy hardness when I burst,     Restore to me the bow which all obey,     Then may thy cheek, which now so smooth appears,     Be channell'd with my daily drink of tears.     MACGREGOR.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Sonnets
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This intriguing poem explores the tumultuous nature of love, utilizing the personification of Love as a commanding entity. The theme revolves around the power Love holds over the speaker and its ability to inspire, command, and cause both joy and sorrow. Love is depicted as a fickle deity, simultaneously creating and destroying, demanding loyalty, and even reclaiming the speaker when they stray.

The poem's structure follows a traditional sonnet form, which aids in the portrayal of the oscillating emotions associated with love. The initial octave outlines Love's demands and the speaker's submission, while the concluding sestet delves into the speaker's plea for Love's mercy. This shift in power dynamics heightens the drama of the poem, and the reader is left to ponder the ultimate consequences of Love's influence.

In terms of literary devices, the poet employs vivid imagery, such as "letters large of gold" and "bright eyes," which heightens the poem's emotional intensity. Metaphors are also used throughout, such as "heart's icy hardness" to express the speaker's initial resistance to Love's power. The poem concludes with a poignant image of the speaker's smooth cheek "channelled with... tears," a stark testament to Love's transformative ability. The poem's tone is a blend of reverence, resignation, and despair, reflecting the speaker's complex relationship with Love.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.