'To Be In Love' by Gwendolyn Brooks
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To be in loveIs to touch with a lighter hand.In yourself you stretch, you are well.You look at thingsThrough his eyes.A cardinal is red.A sky is blue.Suddenly you know he knows too.He is not there butYou know you are tasting togetherThe winter, or a light spring weather.His hand to take your hand is overmuch.Too much to bear.You cannot look in his eyesBecause your pulse must not sayWhat must not be said.When heShuts a door-Is not there_Your arms are water.And you are freeWith a ghastly freedom.You are the beautiful halfOf a golden hurt.You remember and covet his mouthTo touch, to whisper on.Oh when to declareIs certain Death!Oh when to apprizeIs to mesmerize,To see fall down, the Column of Gold,Into the commonest ash.
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Be In Love by Gwendolyn Brooks: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Has there ever been a poem written that captures the essence of love like Gwendolyn Brooks' "To Be In Love"? In just 16 lines, Brooks manages to weave a narrative that speaks to the depths of the human heart and soul, exploring the complexity of emotions that come with falling in love.
The Poem
To be in love
Is to touch with a lighter hand.
In yourself you stretch, you are well.
You look at things
Through his eyes.
A cardinal is red.
A sky is blue.
Suddenly you know he knows too.
He is not there but
You know you are tasting together
The winter, or a light spring weather.
His hand to take your hand is overmuch.
Too much to bear.
You cannot look in his eyes
Because your pulse must not say
What must not be said.
When he
Shuts a door—
Is not there—
Your arms are water.
And you are free
With a ghastly freedom.
You are the beautiful half
Of a golden hurt.
You remember and covet his mouth
To touch, to whisper on.
Oh when to declare
Is certain Death!
Oh when to apprize
Is to mesmerize,
To see fall down, the Column of Gold,
Into the commonest ash.
The Analysis
First and foremost, it's important to note the simplicity of Brooks' language. There are no grandiose words or intricate metaphors, just straightforward and honest prose. This in itself is a testament to the power of love; it doesn't need flowery language to make an impact.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. "To be in love / Is to touch with a lighter hand" immediately conveys the delicacy and tenderness that comes with falling in love. The following lines, "In yourself you stretch, you are well" and "You look at things / Through his eyes" speak to the transformative nature of love. It changes you, makes you see the world differently, and makes you feel whole.
The second stanza takes a turn, introducing the idea that love also brings vulnerability. "His hand to take your hand is overmuch. / Too much to bear" highlights the intensity of emotions that come with love. It's overwhelming, and it can be scary. The line "You cannot look in his eyes / Because your pulse must not say / What must not be said" further emphasizes this vulnerability; the fear of revealing too much, of being too exposed.
The third stanza is where the poem really shines. Brooks' use of imagery is masterful, painting a picture of what it feels like to be separated from the one you love. "When he / Shuts a door— / Is not there—" is a simple but effective way to convey the feeling of emptiness that comes with longing. "Your arms are water" speaks to the physical manifestation of heartache; the way it can weigh you down and make you feel as though you're drowning.
The final lines of the poem are where Brooks' brilliance truly shines. "You are the beautiful half / Of a golden hurt" is a poignant way to describe the bittersweet nature of love. It's beautiful, but it can also hurt. The lines "To see fall down, the Column of Gold, / Into the commonest ash" are a striking way to describe the way love can fall apart. It's a reminder that even the strongest love can crumble, leaving nothing but ash in its wake.
The Interpretation
Ultimately, "To Be In Love" is a poem about the complexity of love. It's a reminder that love isn't just about the good times; it's about the vulnerability, the heartache, and the potential for loss. But even in its darker moments, love is still beautiful. It's still worth it.
Brooks' use of language is understated but powerful, conveying the depth of emotions that come with love in a way that is both relatable and universal. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of love, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gwendolyn Brooks' "To Be In Love" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Its simplicity belies its power, and its message of the complexity of love is one that resonates with readers of all backgrounds. It's a reminder that love is both beautiful and painful, but that it's worth it in the end. Brooks' use of language is masterful, weaving a narrative that speaks to the depths of the human heart and soul. It's a poem that will continue to touch readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Be In Love: A Masterpiece by Gwendolyn Brooks
Poetry To Be In Love is a classic poem written by the renowned African-American poet, Gwendolyn Brooks. This poem is a beautiful expression of love and the emotions that come with it. It is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love and the power it holds over us.
The poem begins with the line, "To be in love / Is to touch with a lighter hand." This line sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests that love is a delicate thing that needs to be handled with care. The use of the word "lighter" implies that love is not something that can be forced or controlled. It is something that needs to be approached with a gentle touch.
The next line, "In yourself you stretch, you are well." suggests that love is something that brings out the best in us. It is something that makes us feel complete and whole. The use of the word "stretch" implies that love is something that expands our horizons and helps us grow as individuals.
The poem then goes on to describe the physical sensations that come with being in love. The line, "You look at things / Through his eyes." suggests that love is something that changes our perspective. It allows us to see the world in a different way. The use of the word "his" implies that love is something that is shared between two people.
The line, "A cardinal is red / A sky is blue" is a beautiful example of how love can change our perception of the world around us. It suggests that love is something that makes us appreciate the beauty in everything. The use of color imagery is particularly effective in this line. It helps to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.
The poem then goes on to describe the emotional aspects of being in love. The line, "Suddenly you know he knows too" suggests that love is something that creates a deep connection between two people. It is something that allows us to understand each other on a level that goes beyond words.
The line, "He is not there but / You know you are tasting together / The winter, or a light spring weather" is a beautiful example of how love can create a sense of unity between two people. It suggests that even when we are apart, we are still connected in some way. The use of sensory imagery in this line is particularly effective. It helps to create a vivid image in the reader's mind.
The poem then goes on to describe the transformative power of love. The line, "His hand to take your hand is overmuch" suggests that love is something that can be overwhelming. It is something that can take us by surprise and leave us feeling vulnerable. The use of the word "overmuch" implies that love is something that is beyond our control.
The line, "Too much to bear" suggests that love is something that can be painful. It is something that can push us to our limits. However, the poem ends on a positive note. The line, "Almost to much to bear" suggests that even though love can be overwhelming and painful, it is still worth it in the end.
In conclusion, Poetry To Be In Love is a beautiful expression of love and the emotions that come with it. It is a masterpiece that captures the essence of love and the power it holds over us. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in love. Gwendolyn Brooks has created a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
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