Po, Ben Puo' Tu Portartene La Scorza
The poem explores the speaker's longing for a distant beloved, lamenting their physical separation and the pain it causes. The speaker describes their emotional turmoil, comparing themselves to a tree stripped of its bark, emphasizing their vulnerability and exposure. They implore the wind to carry their sighs to the beloved, hoping to reconnect and alleviate their suffering.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy · 358 words
First lines
TO THE RIVER PO, ON QUITTING LAURA.
Thou Po to distant realms this frame mayst bear, On thy all-powerful, thy impetuous tide; But the free spirit that within doth bide Nor for thy might, nor any might doth care: Not varying here its course, nor shifting there, Upon the favouring gale it joys to glide; Plying its wings toward the laurel's pride, In spite of sails or oars, of sea or air.
What this Textopian page supports
Po, Ben Puo' Tu Portartene La Scorza is listed on Textopian as a poem by Francesco Petrarca, dated 1343 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Francesco Petrarca
- Date: 1343 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Elegy, Nature Poetry, Sonnet
- Length: 358 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Po, Ben Puo' Tu Portartene La Scorza by Francesco Petrarca
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Po, Ben Puo' Tu Portartene La Scorza?
- How does this poem by Francesco Petrarca fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- I Begli Occhi Ond I Fui Percosso In Guisa by Francesco Petrarca
- Quel Che D Odore E Di Color Vincea by Francesco Petrarca
- Lasso Ch I Ardo Ed Altri Non Mel Crede by Francesco Petrarca
- Conobbi Quanto Il Ciel Gli Occhi M Aperse by Francesco Petrarca
- Onde Tolse Amor L Oro E Di Qual Vena by Francesco Petrarca
- Benedetto Sia L Giorno E L Mese E L Anno by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression and emotional depth, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love and nature, along with the exploration of the self, align with Romantic ideals.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on loss and longing, common elements found in elegiac poetry.
- Nature Poetry — The river Po serves as a central natural element, emphasizing the connection between nature and human emotion.
Tags
love · nature · poetry · Italian literature · Renaissance · lyricism · emotion · beauty · philosophy · human experience · reflection · desire
More by Francesco Petrarca
- Fifteen sonnets of Petrarch (1350)
- Voi, Ch' Ascoltate in Rime Sparse Il Suono (1343)
- Per Far Una Leggiadra Sua Vendetta (1343)
- Era 'L Giorno Ch' Al Sol Si Scoloraro (1343)
- Quel Ch' Infinita Providenza Ed Arte (1343)
- Quand' Io Movo I Sospiri a Chiamar Voi (1344)
- Si Traviato E 'L Folle Mio Desio (1343)
- La Gola E 'L Sonno E L' Oziose Piume (1344)
- All works by Francesco Petrarca