I don't love you only because I love you

Name: I don't love you only because I love you
Author: Pablo Neruda

The poem explores the speaker's conflicted emotions towards a romantic partner. The speaker claims they do not love their partner solely because of their own feelings, but rather because their partner loves them. This suggests a sense of obligation or duty in the speaker's affection, rather than a genuine emotional connection. The poem also touches on the theme of possessiveness and control in relationships.

By Pablo Neruda · First published 1952 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic Literature, Existential Literature · 142 words

First lines

I don't love you only because I love you and from loving you I start not loving you, and yet from waiting for you when I don't expect you my cold heart begins to burn for you.

I love you only because it is you I love,

I hate you endlessly, and in hating you I beg you, and it's the measure of my vagrant love not to see you and yet to love you blindly too.

Maybe January's light will consume my entire heart in its cruel rays, robbing me of my key to the quiet sublime.

What this Textopian page supports

I don't love you only because I love you is listed on Textopian as a poem by Pablo Neruda, dated 1952 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Pablo Neruda
Date: 1952 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romantic Literature, Existential Literature, Lyricism, Modernist Literature
Length: 142 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in a poetic form, utilizing imagery, metaphor, and emotional expression typical of poetry.
Romantic Literature — The themes revolve around love, longing, and the complexities of romantic relationships.
Existential Literature — The exploration of love and its paradoxes reflects existential themes of identity and emotional conflict.
Lyricism — The personal and emotional tone of the writing aligns with lyrical expression, focusing on the speaker's feelings.