Author: Victor James Daley

---

    Love is the sunlight of the soul,
    That, shining on the silken-tressd head
    Of her we love, around it seems to shed
    A golden angel-aureole.

    And all her ways seem sweeter ways
    Than those of other women in that light:
    She has no portion with the pallid night,
    But is a part of all fair days.

    Joy goes where she goes, and good dreams,
    Her smile is tender as an old romance
    Of Love that dies not, and her soft eyes glance
    Like sunshine set to music seems.

    Queen of our fate is she, but crowned
    With purple hearts-ease for her womanhood.
    There is no place so poor where she has stood
    But evermore is holy ground.

    An angel from the heaven above
    Would not be fair to us as she is fair:
    She holds us in a mesh of silken hair,
    This one sweet woman whom we love.

    We pray thee, Love, our souls to steep
    In dreams wherein thy myrtle flowereth;
    So when the rose leaves shiver, feeling Death
    Pass by, we may remain asleep:

    Asleep, with poppies in our hands,
    From all the world and all its cares apart,
    Cheek close to cheek, heart beating against heart,
    While through Lifes sandglass run the sands.

---

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a vivid and affectionate ode to romantic love, adorning the subject with a divine aura. The poet employs a variety of literary devices to enhance the theme, with metaphor being the most dominant. Love is depicted as the "sunlight of the soul," a powerful metaphor that illuminates its transformative effect. The woman, the embodiment of this love, is presented as a radiant, angelic figure, setting a tone of reverence and adoration.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with each stanza contributing to a comprehensive portrait of the beloved. The tone is deeply romantic and even spiritual, painting love as a force that transcends ordinary existence. The poet effectively uses imagery and personification to animate love, as seen in lines like "Joy goes where she goes," and "Queen of our fate is she." The use of these devices imbues the poem with a sense of liveliness and depth.

Interestingly, the poem also subtly intertwines the themes of love and mortality. The last two stanzas introduce the concept of death, but the poet's tone remains hopeful, suggesting that true love can provide comfort even in life's final moments. The imagery of "poppies in our hands," and "cheek close to cheek, heart beating against heart," evokes a sense of peaceful resignation, implying that love can offer solace amidst life's inevitable end.

In conclusion, this poem is a profound exploration of love's power, beauty, and enduring nature. It beautifully employs literary techniques to create a vivid portrayal of love that is both earthly and divine, demonstrating the poet's deep understanding and appreciation of this universal human experience.