To Love by Georgia Douglas Johnson
The poem explores the transient nature of life and love, emphasizing the urgency of embracing love in the face of life's fleeting moments. It begins with a reflection on the brevity of existence, suggesting that while life is short, love is even more ephemeral. The speaker invites a beloved to partake in a shared experience, symbolized by lifting a chalice, which represents celebration and intimacy. As the poem progresses, it highlights the intensity of desire and the inevitability of time passing, with shadows lengthening as day turns to night. This imagery evokes a sense of both urgency and tranquility, suggesting that love should be savored before it fades. The speaker yearns for a moment of peace where their souls can reflect on their experiences, hinting at a deeper understanding of love's significance amidst life's impermanence. The work ultimately conveys a message about the importance of seizing love and cherishing it, as it is a vital part of the human experience, even as it is subject to the same temporal constraints as life itself. The interplay between desire, time, and the quest for tranquility forms the core of the poem's thematic exploration.
By Georgia Douglas Johnson · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic Literature, Philosophical Literature · 72 words
First lines
Life's little hour is fleet, so fleet But love's is fleeter still, So let us lift the chalice dear And drink, and drink until The shadows lengthen to repose And fierce desires still, Then may our souls view tranquilly The low-light o'er the hill!
What this Textopian page supports
To Love is listed on Textopian as a poem by Georgia Douglas Johnson, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Georgia Douglas Johnson
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic Literature, Philosophical Literature, Lyric Poetry, Modernist Literature
- Length: 72 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Similar titles
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- Romance by Georgia Douglas Johnson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love and the fleeting nature of life.
- Romantic Literature — The central theme revolves around love, making it a significant aspect of romantic literature.
- Philosophical Literature — The poem reflects on existential themes, such as the passage of time and the nature of desire.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Relationships · Emotions · Sensitivity · Intimacy · Vulnerability · Femininity · Empowerment · Self-discovery · Identity