Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's "Lovemusic" is a sensuous and inviting poem that celebrates love and the intimate, shared experiences that enrich and sustain relationships. Through rich imagery and a lyrical tone, Kizer crafts a vivid depiction of love as a feast for the senses and a sanctuary for the heart.

The poem opens with a call to the heart: "Come, freighted heart, within this port, / Bring all your bee-collected sweet." The metaphor of the heart as a vessel filled with sweetness gathered like nectar by bees sets a tone of abundance and richness. This imagery evokes the idea that love is a collection of delights, both simple and profound, amassed over time.

Kizer continues with images that appeal to the senses: "The savor of a liberal night, / The crown of columbine, still-wet, / The muse of days." The "savor of a liberal night" suggests a night full of freedom and indulgence, while the "crown of columbine" evokes beauty and freshness. The "muse of days" implies that love is also inspired by everyday moments, bringing delight to "fill the palate and the plate" and to "rinse the lips." These lines celebrate the pleasures of love and its ability to satisfy and refresh.

The poem then invites the beloved to join in this intimate space: "Come, laden love, to this, my cave. / For here we soon may hide and move, / In havens play the courting dove." The imagery of the cave suggests a private, sacred space where love can flourish away from the outside world. The reference to "the courting dove" adds a layer of tenderness and romance, depicting a place where lovers can freely express their affection.

Kizer's use of religious imagery in "the newly-altared nave: / The vested place, this heart alive" elevates the sanctity of love, comparing it to a sacred ceremony. The poem celebrates the union of two individuals who "give itself away" in mutual devotion, sharing "fruit and wine and coupled play."

The final stanza reinforces the poem's theme of savoring love: "Come candidly, consort with me, / And spill our pleasure for a day. / Let love delay, unhurriedly, / This passing taste." The speaker urges the beloved to embrace the moment fully, to linger in the joy of love without haste. The poem concludes with a prophecy: "Remembered cinnamon and lime / Will fructify a bleaker time." This line suggests that the memories of their shared pleasures—symbolized by the evocative flavors of cinnamon and lime—will provide comfort and sustenance during more difficult times.

"Lovemusic" is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the richness of love and the joy found in intimate, shared experiences. Carolyn Kizer's use of vivid imagery and lyrical language creates a sensuous and inviting atmosphere, inviting readers to appreciate the deep, sustaining power of love. Through its exploration of love as both a feast and a sanctuary, the poem captures the essence of romantic intimacy and the lasting impact of cherished moments.