Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

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        "All that I ask," says Love, "is just to stand
    And gaze, unchided, deep in thy dear eyes;
    For in their depths lies largest Paradise.
        Yet, if perchance one pressure of thy hand
    Be granted me, then joy I thought complete
        Were still more sweet."

        "All that I ask," says Love, "all that I ask,
    Is just thy hand clasp. Could I brush thy cheek
    As zephyrs brush a rose leaf, words are weak
        To tell the bliss in which my soul would bask.
    There is no language but would desecrate
        A joy so great."

        "All that I ask, is just one tender touch
    Of that soft cheek. Thy pulsing palm in mine,
    Thy dark eyes lifted in a trust divine
        And those curled lips that tempt me overmuch
    Turned where I may not seize the supreme bliss
        Of one mad kiss.

        "All that I ask," says Love, "of life, of death,
    Or of high heaven itself, is just to stand,
    Glance melting into glance, hand twined in hand,
        The while I drink the nectar of thy breath,
    In one sweet kiss, but one, of all thy store,
        I ask no more."

        "All that I ask" -nay, self-deceiving Love,
    Reverse thy phrase, so thus the words may fall,
    In place of "all I ask," say, "I ask all,"
        All that pertains to earth or soars above,
    All that thou wert, art, will be, body, soul,
        Love asks the whole.

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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: The poem appears to revolve around the themes of yearning, desire, and the consuming nature of love. Through the repeated phrase, "All that I ask," the poet introduces a sense of pleading and urgency, capturing the intense desire and longing that often accompanies romantic love. The tone is both passionate and desperate, emphasizing the depth of the speaker's emotions.

The structure of the poem is notable, with each stanza building upon the last, gradually escalating the speaker's requests. From simple gazing into the beloved's eyes, to hand clasping, to a tender touch, and finally to a kiss, the poet utilizes sensory imagery to unfold a vivid tale of escalating intimacy. The use of nature metaphors, e.g., "as zephyrs brush a rose leaf," adds to the romantic atmosphere, while also conveying a sense of gentleness and delicacy.

In the final stanza, there is a shift in perspective, acknowledging the profound truth that love, in its fullest form, seeks everything, not just fragments. By changing "All that I ask" to "I ask all," the poet highlights the all-consuming nature of love, showing how it seeks to encompass not only physical attraction but also emotional and spiritual connection. This clever twist in phrase adds depth to the poem, encouraging readers to ponder the true essence of love.