I Need not Go by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The poem explores themes of love, patience, and the complexities of human relationships. The speaker expresses a sense of assurance that their beloved will wait for them, regardless of the external challenges they face, such as harsh weather or the demands of life. The speaker conveys a desire to return to their love when circumstances are more favorable, indicating a struggle with worldly pressures and responsibilities. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of delays in their reunion, suggesting that life’s distractions and new experiences may divert their attention. However, there is a strong sense of trust in the beloved's understanding and acceptance of these delays. The speaker believes that their love will remain steadfast, free from blame or resentment, even as they navigate the complexities of life. Ultimately, the poem captures the tension between longing and the realities of existence, emphasizing the enduring nature of true love that can withstand time and circumstance. The speaker's confidence in their beloved's patience highlights the depth of their emotional connection, suggesting that love transcends immediate presence and is rooted in a profound understanding of each other's lives.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 229 words
First lines
I NEED not go / Through sleet and snow / To where I know / She waits for me; / She will wait me there / Till I find it fair, / And have time to spare / From company.
When I've overgot / The world somewhat, / When things cost not / Such stress and strain, / Is soon enough / By cypress sough / To tell my Love / I am come again.
And if some day, / When none cries nay, / I still delay / To seek her side, / (Though ample measure / Of fitting leisure / Await my pleasure) / She will riot chide.
What-not upbraid me / That I delayed me, / Nor ask what stayed me / So long? Ah, no! - / New cares may claim me, / New loves inflame me, / She will not blame me, / But suffer it so.
Similar titles
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- Sitting On The Bridge by Thomas Hardy
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- The Selfsame Song by Thomas Hardy
- For Life I Had Never Cared Greatly by Thomas Hardy
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of love, longing, and emotional introspection align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, typical of lyric poetry.
- Nature — Imagery of nature, such as 'sleet and snow' and 'cypress sough', reflects a connection to the natural world.
Tags
loneliness · isolation · self-reflection · existentialism · nature · human emotion · despair · solitude · introspection · regret · memory · time
What this Textopian page supports
I Need not Go is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, 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: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Nature, Philosophical
- Length: 229 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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