Love (Sonnets) by Henry Van Dyke
This collection of sonnets explores the complexities and nuances of love, examining its various forms and manifestations. The poems delve into the intensity and passion of romantic love, as well as the more subtle and enduring qualities of familial and platonic love. Through a range of imagery and metaphor, the poet conveys the transformative power of love to shape human experience and understanding.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical · 178 words
First lines
Let me but love my love without disguise, Nor wear a mask of fashion old or new, Nor wait to speak till I can hear a clue, Nor play a part to shine in others' eyes, Nor bow my knees to what my heart denies; But what I am, to that let me be true, And let me worship where my love is due, And so through love and worship let me rise.
For love is but the heart's immortal thirst To be completely known and all forgiven, Even as sinful souls that enter Heaven: So take me, dear, and understand my worst, And freely pardon it, because confessed, And let me find in loving thee, my best.
May, 1902.
What this Textopian page supports
Love (Sonnets) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Philosophical
- Length: 178 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is composed in sonnet form, a traditional poetic structure.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and emotional connection.
- Philosophical — Explores themes of authenticity, self-awareness, and the nature of love.
Tags
Poetry · Romance · Love · Sonnets · Classical · Formal · Traditional · Literary · Symbolic · Metaphorical · Imagery-rich · Emotive