Emily Dickinson, known for her introspective and enigmatic poetry, often delved into the theme of love with a deep sense of emotion and complexity. Her romantic love poems explore the joys, sorrows, and mysteries of love, reflecting her unique perspective on relationships and affection. Below are ten of her most profound poems on love, with excerpts and thoughtful interpretations.
1. "Wild Nights – Wild Nights!" (Poem #269)
Wild nights – Wild nights!
Were I with thee
Wild nights should be
Our luxury!
This passionate poem expresses a longing for intimate connection. The speaker imagines the joy and fulfillment of being with a loved one, where "wild nights" symbolize the intensity of romantic love. The poem's vibrant energy captures the emotional depth of love and desire, suggesting that being with the beloved would be a luxurious escape from the constraints of everyday life.
2. "If you were coming in the Fall" (Poem #511)
If you were coming in the Fall,
I’d brush the Summer by
With half a smile, and half a spurn,
As Housewives do, a Fly.
In this poem, Dickinson explores the theme of anticipation in love. The speaker expresses a willingness to endure time apart if there were a certainty of reunion. The imagery of brushing "the Summer by" reflects the speaker's desire to hasten time to be with the beloved, capturing the pain of waiting and the hope for future togetherness.
3. "I cannot live with You" (Poem #640)
I cannot live with You –
It would be Life –
And Life is over there –
Behind the Shelf
This poem reflects the paradoxical nature of love, where the speaker feels that being with the beloved is impossible, yet life without them is equally unbearable. The imagery of life being "behind the Shelf" suggests that true happiness is out of reach. Dickinson explores the tension between desire and reality, revealing the complexities and contradictions inherent in love.
4. "My River runs to thee" (Poem #162)
My River runs to thee –
Blue Sea! Wilt welcome me?
My River waits reply –
Oh Sea – look graciously –
This poem uses the metaphor of a river running to the sea to symbolize the speaker's yearning for union with the beloved. The river represents the speaker's love, constantly flowing towards the sea, which stands for the object of affection. The poem beautifully captures the idea of love as a natural, inevitable force that seeks connection and fulfillment.
5. "The Heart asks Pleasure – first" (Poem #536)
The Heart asks Pleasure – first –
And then – Excuse from Pain –
And then – those little Anodynes
That deaden suffering –
In this poem, Dickinson explores the desires of the human heart, beginning with the pursuit of pleasure, which is often linked to love. The heart seeks happiness in love but also desires relief from the inevitable pain that love can bring. The poem reflects on the dual nature of love, where pleasure and pain are intertwined, highlighting the heart's vulnerability.
6. "I hide myself within my flower" (Poem #80)
I hide myself within my flower,
That wearing on your breast,
You, unsuspecting, wear me too –
And angels know the rest.
In this delicate and intimate poem, the speaker imagines becoming a flower that the beloved wears, symbolizing a desire to be close to the loved one in a subtle, almost secretive way. The poem reflects the speaker’s wish to be a part of the beloved’s life, even if unacknowledged. It captures the quiet, often unspoken, nature of deep love and the longing to be near the object of affection.
7. "I gave myself to Him" (Poem #580)
I gave myself to Him –
And took Himself, for Pay,
The solemn contract of a Life
Was ratified, this way –
This poem reflects on the idea of love as a transaction or contract. The speaker describes love as a mutual exchange, where giving oneself to another is both a gift and a commitment. The solemn tone of the poem suggests the seriousness with which the speaker views this bond, highlighting the deep sense of responsibility and dedication that love entails.
8. "Heart, we will forget him!" (Poem #47)
Heart, we will forget him!
You and I – tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave –
I will forget the light.
In this poignant poem, the speaker attempts to convince the heart to forget a lost love. The poem captures the struggle between the mind and the heart, as the speaker tries to move on from the past but finds it difficult to let go of the memories. The dialogue between the speaker and their heart reflects the inner conflict that often accompanies love and loss.
9. "That I did always love" (Poem #549)
That I did always love
I bring thee Proof
That till I loved
I never lived – Enough –
This poem is a testament to the transformative power of love. The speaker declares that love has given their life meaning, suggesting that true living begins with the experience of love. The poem reflects a deep and abiding affection, where love is not just an emotion but the very essence of existence. It speaks to the profound impact that love can have on one’s life.
10. "My life closed twice before its close" (Poem #1732)
My life closed twice before its close –
It yet remains to see
If Immortality unveil
A third event to me
In this reflective poem, Dickinson speaks of two significant losses that felt like the end of life, suggesting that love and loss are closely intertwined. The "closing" of life refers to the deep impact of losing a loved one, which feels like a death in itself. The poem captures the enduring nature of love, where even after loss, the memory and impact of love remain strong, shaping one’s existence.
Emily Dickinson’s exploration of romantic love is both profound and deeply personal. Through these ten poems, she captures the joys, sorrows, and complexities of love, offering insights that resonate across time. Her unique voice and perspective make these poems timeless reflections on the nature of love and human connection.
