Poetry 3

To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time by Robert Herrick is a poem that addresses the ‘virgins’ and urges them to make the most of the time that is left, otherwise they will be too old to love and enjoy life. This poem dismisses the idea of romantic love, basically implying that you must love while young. The author uses nature, specifically flowers, to symbolize the passage of time. The virgins are comparable to the beautiful rosebuds; however, if they don’t indulge in their youth, “tomorrow will be dying.” Herrick straight-up proclaims this idea when he says “that age is best which is the first, / when youth and blood are warmer” and “while ye may, go marry.” I don’t know if I can agree with this guy – I don’t believe love is defined by any age. Loving with all of your soul is more important than living up your youth. Sorry, Herrick, but your vision (or lack) of romantic love sort of saddens me.

She walks in Beauty by Lord Byron describes a beautiful woman that is beautiful down to her core, whose beauty does not just reside in her external appearances. Lord Byron chooses to describe this lovely lady by her presence, her aurora, and her actions… nothing about her physical appearance is mentioned, other than her beautiful glowing smile and her soft, innocent face. He compares her to darkness – “she walks in beauty, like the night”, but he uses the darkness to help emphasize her purity – “thus mellowed to that tender light / which heaven to gaudy day denies.” I get the feeling that Lord Byron is telling us his love is true and is based on all aspects of this woman, not just from lust. The things that make this woman beautiful to him are her sweet expressions and her glowing smiles. I agree with this vision of romantic love because I think that true love is about the entire person, not just lusting for them. You go, Lord Byron. You go.