Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles d'Orléans' "Rondeau" manifests as a deeply emotive ode to love, a psychological landscape where the lover traverses distances both physical and metaphorical to be united with the object of his affection. Embodying the structure and musicality of the rondeau, a poetic form known for its refrain and cyclical nature, the poem explores the idea of longing, of being drawn towards a love that appears to be both the journey and the destination.

The opening lines, "Myne only love, my joye, my boone, / More deare to me than ought beside," declare the speaker's singular attachment, setting the tone for what follows. Here, "boone" denotes a blessing or a gift, underlining how the beloved is not just a person but a condition of grace that gives his life value. The words "only love" and "more deare" articulate the exclusive nature of his love, almost as though other facets of life pale in comparison.

The speaker expresses the urgency of his desire to reunite with his love by saying, "I prithee joyously doe bide / In hope that I maye see thee soone." The use of "prithee," an archaic term for 'I pray thee,' conveys the depth of his plea, almost as though his ability to see the beloved is a matter of spiritual significance. The words "by nighte, by noone" show the constancy of his effort, suggesting that his desire knows no boundaries of time or practicality.

The phrase "if Godde me guide" introduces a divine element, making it evident that the journey to his love is fraught with uncertainty, where celestial guidance becomes a coveted aid. This can also be read as an expression of the Middle Ages' religious framework, where God is considered the director of human affairs, including love and longing.

The most evocative lines, "And if, by wishynge it, my shoone / Maye brynge me nigh thee, nought denied," are replete with a sense of magical realism. The speaker wishes that the mere act of desiring could physically draw him closer to his love, bypassing all worldly obstacles. This metaphorical walk brings out the human yearning for love to be as simple as wishing, as straightforward as putting on one's shoes and walking towards it.

Lastly, the image of "cryinge for the moone" speaks to the impossibility or the extreme difficulty of attaining what he so ardently desires, yet he finds himself unable to stop desiring it. Like the moon, the love he seeks seems far off, mysterious, and untouchable, but it remains the ultimate source of light in his emotional sky.

Charles d'Orléans' "Rondeau" not only employs the strengths of its poetic form but also delves into the universal themes of love and longing. His succinct verses crystallize the essence of a feeling that transcends historical and linguistic boundaries, capturing the timeless nature of human desire and the complexities that often accompany it.

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