Erotion

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

Lyric Poem
    Sweet for a little even to fear, and sweet,     O love, to lay down fear at loves fair feet;     Shall not some fiery memory of his breath     Lie sweet on lips that touch the lips of death?     Yet leave me not; yet, if thou wilt, be free;     Love me no more, but love my love of thee.     Love where thou wilt, and live thy life; and I,     One thing I can, and one love cannotdie.     Pass from me; yet thine arms, thine eyes, thine hair,     Feed my desire and deaden my despair.     Yet once more ere time change us, ere my cheek     Whiten, ere hope be dumb or sorrow speak,     Yet once more ere thou hate me, one full kiss;     Keep other hours for others, save me this.     Yea, and I will not (if it please thee) weep,     Lest thou be sad; I will but sigh, and sleep.     Sweet, does death hurt? thou canst not do me wrong:     I shall not lack thee, as I loved thee, long.     Hast thou not given me above all that live     Joy, and a little sorrow shalt not give?     What even though fairer fingers of strange girls     Pass nestling through thy beautiful boys curls     As mine did, or those curled lithe lips of thine     Meet theirs as these, all theirs come after mine;     And though I were not, though I be not, best,     I have loved and love thee more than all the rest.     O love, O lover, loose or hold me fast,     I had thee first, whoever have thee last;     Fairer or not, what need I know, what care?     To thy fair bud my blossom once seemed fair.     Why am I fair at all before thee, why     At all desired? seeing thou art fair, not I.     I shall be glad of thee, O fairest head,     Alive, alone, without thee, with thee, dead;     I shall remember while the light lives yet,     And in the night-time I shall not forget.     Though (as thou wilt) thou leave me ere life leave,     I will not, for thy love I will not, grieve;     Not as they use who love not more than I,     Who love not as I love thee though I die;     And though thy lips, once mine, be oftener prest     To many another brow and balmier breast,     And sweeter arms, or sweeter to thy mind,     Lull thee or lure, more fond thou wilt not find.

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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 exploration of the theme of unrequited love, holding an exquisite combination of longing, acceptance, and a deep understanding of the fleeting nature of love. The speaker’s enduring devotion is the central focus, as is the sweet sorrow that stems from the memory of a love that once was, and perhaps still is, on one side.

The tone of the poem is one of melancholy acceptance, a gentle resignation to the realities of love's whims. The speaker is not bitter about their lost love, but rather cherishes the memory of it. The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic flow and frequent use of enjambment, adds to the overall mournful tone, creating a sense of the speaker's continuous thought process and the ongoing nature of their feelings.

The poet employs several literary devices that enhance the poem's emotional impact. The use of rhetorical questions serves to demonstrate the speaker's introspective reflection on their past relationship. Furthermore, the imagery of death, combined with the motif of time, signifies the speaker's awareness of love's impermanence and their own mortality. The poet's use of apostrophe adds an intimate and personal feel to the poem, as if the speaker is directly addressing their lost lover. This enhances the sense of longing and despair that permeates through the poem.

In conclusion, this is a deeply emotive and introspective poem that deftly captures the complexities of unrequited love, leaving a lingering impression of sweet sorrow and enduring devotion.

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.