The End Of All.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

I.

    I do not love you now,
    O narrow heart, that had no heights but pride!
    You, whom mine fed; to whom yours still denied
    Food when mine hungered, and of which love died
    I do not love you now.

II.

    I do not love you now,
    O shallow soul, with depths but to deceive!
    You, whom mine watered; to whom yours did give
    No drop to drink to help my love to live
    I do not love you now.

III.

    I do not love you now!
    But did I love you in the old, old way,
    And knew you loved me 'though the words should slay
    Me and your love forever, I would say,
    "I do not love you now!
    I do not love you now!"
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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem presents a powerful exploration of unrequited love and the painful process of emotional detachment. The speaker's repetition of "I do not love you now" functions both as a mantra for self-reassurance and as a declaration of independence from the subject, who is characterized as prideful, deceptive, and ungenerous. The poem's structure, comprised of three stanzas, mirrors the gradual progression from resentment to acceptance, with the final stanza revealing the lingering struggle to let go of a deep, if painful, love.

The poet employs a range of metaphors and imagery to highlight the one-sided nature of the love affair. The subject's "narrow heart" and "shallow soul" indicate a lack of emotional depth and capacity to reciprocate the speaker's affection. The speaker's love is presented as a nourishing force, "feeding" and "watering" the subject, who in return starves and dehydrates it, resulting in its death. These compelling images underscore the destructive power of unrequited love and the emotional toll it takes on the individual who loves without being loved in return. Despite the bitterness and pain expressed, the poem concludes on a note of strength and self-affirmation, marking the speaker's final break from a toxic relationship.

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.