A Valentine by Robert Graves (1925)
The poem explores themes of love, devotion, and the interplay between desire and sacrifice. It begins with a metaphorical tribute from a hunter to a husbandman, symbolizing the complexities of romantic relationships. The speaker acknowledges the loyalty and dedication inherent in love, suggesting that even the contemplation of loss or separation is a part of this emotional landscape. The imagery shifts to an embrace, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of the beloved. The speaker reflects on the allure of various qualities that the beloved possesses, emphasizing that none can compare to the central figure of their affection. The act of embracing becomes a metaphor for deeper emotional connections, where the speaker seeks forgiveness for any perceived shortcomings or misunderstandings. As the poem progresses, the notion of "bright ghosts" represents fleeting moments of love and passion that ultimately lead to a sense of loss. The speaker recognizes that these moments, while glorious, can also result in emotional turmoil. The final lines suggest a profound reverence for the beloved, indicating that even in the face of despair or potential self-destruction, there is a deep homage paid to the beloved's pride and essence. Overall, the work encapsulates the duality of love—its beauty and its potential for pain—while celebrating the transformative power of emotional connections. The speaker's journey through admiration, longing, and the acknowledgment of sacrifice creates a rich tapestry of feelings that resonate with the complexities of human relationships.
By Robert Graves · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 126 words
First lines
The hunter to the husbandman / Pays tribute since our love began, / And to love-loyalty dedicates / The phantom kills he meditates. / Let me embrace, embracing you, / Beauty of other shape and hue, / Odd glinting graces of which none / Shone more than candle to your sun, / Your well-kissed hand was beckoning me / In unfamiliar imagery -- / Smile your forgiveness; each bright ghost / Dives in love's glory and is lost, / Yielding your comprehensive pride / A homage, even to suicide.
What this Textopian page supports
A Valentine is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Graves, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert Graves
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Modernism, Love Poetry
- Length: 126 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of love and beauty.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Modernism — The use of imagery and exploration of complex emotions reflects modernist influences.
Tags
love · poetry · romance · loss · beauty · nature · imagery · emotion · devotion · sacrifice · mortality · desire