Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox

---

    The tide of love swells in me with such force,
         It sweeps away all hate and all distrust.
    As eddying straws and particles of dust
         Are lost by some swift river in its course.

    So much I love my friends, my life, my art,
         Each shadow flies; the light dispels the gloom.
    Love is so fair, I find I have no room
         For anything less worthy in my heart.

    Love is a germ which we can cultivate -
         To grace and perfume sweeter than the rose,
    Or leave neglected while our heart soil grows
         Rank with that vile and poison thistle, hate.

    Love is a joyous thrush, that one can teach
         To sing sweet lute-like songs which all may hear.
    Or we can silence him and tune the ear
         To caw of crows, or to the vulture's screech.

    Love is a feast; and if the guests divide
         With all who pass, though thousands swell the van,
    There shall be food and drink for every man;
         The loaves and fishes will be multiplied.

    Love is the guide.    I look to heights above
         So beautiful, so very far away;
    Yet I shall tread their sunlit peaks some day,
         Since close in mine I hold the hand of love.

    Love is the law.    But yield to its control
         And thou shalt find all things work for the best,
    And in the calm, still heaven of thy breast,
         That God, Himself, sits talking with thy soul.

---

Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a thoughtful exploration of the theme of love, its power, and its transformative potential. The poet uses vivid and emotive imagery to depict love as a force that clears away negativity, emphasizing its capacity to cultivate beauty and joy. The tone is overwhelmingly positive and uplifting, as the poet shares their personal experiences and perspectives on the impact of love.

The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza exploring a different metaphor for love. This approach effectively illustrates the multifaceted nature of love, portraying it as a tide, a germ, a thrush, a feast, a guide, and finally, as the law. These metaphors not only convey the vastness of love but also its ability to permeate different aspects of life. Moreover, the use of contrasting images, such as 'lute-like songs' versus 'vulture's screech', or 'grace and perfume' versus 'vile and poison thistle', adds a layer of depth to the poem. This contrast serves to highlight the power of love to transform and uplift one's experiences.

The poem has a clear romanticist undertone, emphasizing emotion, individual experience, and the sublime beauty of love. The concluding lines present love as divine, suggesting a spiritual dimension to these experiences of love. This element adds a profound depth to the poem, opening space for interpretation and personal connection. Overall, the poem's accessible language and universal theme make it resonate with a broad audience, while its rich imagery and thoughtful exploration of love offer a rewarding experience for more attentive readers.