I Pray you if you Love Me

Name: I Pray you if you Love Me
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay

The poem explores themes of love, joy, and shared experience amidst the inevitability of sorrow and fate. The speaker implores their beloved to share in their happiness, even if only for a brief moment, highlighting the fragility of joy in the face of life's uncertainties. The imagery of fate as a destructive force suggests that happiness is transient and can be disrupted at any time. The speaker acknowledges the pain their beloved has endured, indicating a deep understanding of shared human experiences. They express a desire for companionship during moments of joy, emphasizing that love is not merely a feeling but an active participation in each other's lives. The call to "bear my joy" reflects a longing for mutual support and connection, reinforcing the idea that love thrives in shared moments, both joyful and sorrowful. As the poem progresses, the speaker contrasts the beauty of spring with the grief that may follow. The imagery of blossoming nature symbolizes hope and renewal, while the mention of walking in grief suggests the weight of past experiences. The speaker's plea for togetherness in the face of life's challenges underscores the importance of solidarity in love. Ultimately, the work encapsulates the duality of love—its capacity to bring joy while also acknowledging the inevitability of pain. The speaker's yearning for companionship during both the highs and lows of life illustrates a profound understanding of love's complexities, suggesting that true love encompasses both celebration and shared sorrow. The poem concludes with a reaffirmation of love's essence, positing that love must involve a journey together, embracing both the light and dark aspects of existence.

By Edna St. Vincent Millay · First published 1923 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Modernist Poetry · 143 words

First lines

I pray you if you love me, bear my joy

A little while, or let me weep your tears; I, too, have seen the quavering Fate destroy

Your destiny's bright spinning-the dull shears

Meeting not neatly, chewing at the thread,-

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I Pray you if you Love Me is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay, dated 1923 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edna St. Vincent Millay
Date: 1923 CE
Language: English
Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Modernist Poetry, Nature Poetry, Confessional Poetry
Length: 143 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Romantic Poetry — Themes of love and longing are central, aligning with the romantic genre.
Modernist Poetry — The poem reflects modernist themes of existential contemplation and emotional complexity.
Nature Poetry — Imagery of spring and nature is present, connecting the poem to nature poetry.