Se Mai Foco Per Foco Non Si Spense
The poem explores the theme of unrequited love and the speaker's longing for a distant beloved. The title translates to "If I were not focused on you, my flame would not dwindle," suggesting that the speaker's passion remains strong due to their constant thoughts of the loved one. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses their devotion, acknowledging that even in absence, their love persists.
By Francesco Petrarca · First published 1343 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Sonnet · 187 words
First lines
HIS HEART IS ALL IN FLAMES, BUT HIS TONGUE IS MUTE, IN HER PRESENCE.
If fire was never yet by fire subdued, If never flood fell dry by frequent rain, But, like to like, if each by other gain, And contraries are often mutual food; Love, who our thoughts controllest in each mood, Through whom two bodies thus one soul sustain, How, why in her, with such unusual strain Make the want less by wishes long renewed? Perchance, as falleth the broad Nile from high, Deafening with his great voice all nature round, And as the sun still dazzles the fix'd eye, So with itself desire in discord found Loses in its impetuous object force, As the too frequent spur oft checks the course.
MACGREGOR.
What this Textopian page supports
Se Mai Foco Per Foco Non Si Spense 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, Sonnet, Philosophical Poetry, Italian Literature
- Length: 187 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
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- Work identity for Se Mai Foco Per Foco Non Si Spense by Francesco Petrarca
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- Se Bianche Non Son Prima Ambe Le Tempie by Francesco Petrarca
- La Sera Desiar Odiar L Aurora by Francesco Petrarca
- O Dolci Sguardi O Parolette Accorte by Francesco Petrarca
- Amor Che Vedi Ogni Pensiero Aperto by Francesco Petrarca
- Piovonmi Amare Lagrime Dal Viso by Francesco Petrarca
- I Pur Ascolto E Non Odo Novella by Francesco Petrarca
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by personal expression of emotions, particularly love and desire, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of intense emotion and individual experience align with the principles of Romanticism.
- Sonnet — The structure and style suggest it is a sonnet, a common form in Petrarch's work.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of love and desire reflects deeper philosophical inquiries about human experience.
Tags
Italian Literature · Renaissance Poetry · Love Poems · Sonnet Collection · Classical Influence · Medieval Inspiration · Courtly Love · Lyrical Poetry · Philosophical Themes · Spiritual Quest · Moral Reflections · Autobiographical Elements
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