Bound And Free

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Come to me, Love!    Come on the wings of the wind!          Fly as the ring-dove would fly to his mate!     Leave all your cares and your sorrows behind!          Leave all the fears of your future to Fate!     Come! and our skies shall be glad with the gold          That paled into gray when you parted from me.     Come! but remember that, just as of old,          You must be bound, Love, and I must be free.     Life has lost savour since you and I parted;          I have been lonely, and you have been sad.     Youth is too brief to be sorrowful-hearted -          Come! and again let us laugh and be glad.     Lips should not sigh that are fashioned to kiss -          Breasts should not ache that joy's secrets have found.     Come! but remember, in spite of all this,          I must be free, Love, while you must be bound.     You must be bound to be true while you live,          And I keep my freedom for ever, as now.     You must ask only for that which I give -          Kisses and love-words, but never a vow.     Come!    I am lonely, and long for your smile,          Bring back the lost lovely Summer to me!     Come! but remember, remember the while,          That you must be bound, Love, and I must be free.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem uses powerful imagery and emotive language to explore complex themes of love, freedom, and longing. The repeating refrain "You must be bound, Love, and I must be free" underlines a paradoxical relationship dynamic wherein the speaker desires connection, yet insists on their own autonomy.

The tone is a blend of melancholy and yearning, as the speaker invites their absent lover to return, yet stipulates the conditions of their reunion. Through vivid metaphors - the lover as a dove, love as a lost summer - the poet imbues the poem with a sense of romantic idealism, tinged by a subtle undercurrent of sorrow and regret. The poem's structure - alternating between pleas for reunion and reminders of necessary distance - mirrors this conflicted emotional state, creating a rhythm of push-and-pull that echoes the poem's central tension.

The poem also employs a notable use of direct address, adding a sense of urgency and intimacy to the speaker's entreaty. The repeated imperative "come!" drives the rhythm of the poem, and its forceful repetition underscores the speaker's longing. Yet, this longing is always tempered by a clear insistence on independence, revealing a layered exploration of desire, autonomy, and the intricate dynamics of intimate relationships.

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.