Assurance, Emma Lazarus: Summary, Analysis & Themes

Emma Lazarus (1849–1887) was a prominent American poet known for her explorations of love, identity, and social justice. Her poem "Assurance" exemplifies her talent for weaving emotional depth and vivid imagery. Published in 1887, the poem delves into themes of love's transcendence and the interplay between dreams and reality. "Assurance" Poem Text by Emma Lazarus Last night I slept, and when I woke her kiss Still floated on my lips. For we had strayed Together in my dream, through some dim glade, Where the shy moonbeams scarce dared light our bliss. The air was dank with dew, between the trees, The hidden glow-worms kindled and were spent. Cheek pressed to cheek, the cool, the hot night-breeze Mingled our hair, our breath, and came and went, As sporting with our passion. Low and deep Spake in mine ear her voice: “And didst thou dream, This could be buried? This could be sleep? And love be thrall to death! Nay, whatso seem, Have faith, dear heart; this is the th…