Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS: 1. by LOUISE ABNEY

First Line: I LOVE YOU WITH A PASSION - HOLY, DEEP -
Last Line: BUT PARADISE IS OURS IF YOU WOULD STAY.
Subject(s): DESIRE; LOVE;

I love you with a passion -- holy, deep --
Not altogether free from warm desire,
But with a passion purified, as fire
Consumes the dross and seeks the gold to keep.
My love for you transcends such petty things
As searing jealousy . . . embittered words;
With the unfettered certainty of birds
It soars aloft on unfurled, silver wings.
This love I bear has been my sole concern;
I have not reckoned what you bring to me
Nor asked of you a pledged fidelity;
My only care is that my altar burn.

If you would go, I could not say you nay;
But paradise is ours if you would stay.



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