Sweetest Love, I do not go
The poem ‘Sweetest Love, I do not go’ is one of the most famous poems by John Donne. The poet or rather, the persona tells his lover that he is not leaving because he is tired of the relationship; instead, it is the duty that compels his departure. This essay will analyze the poem to determine the ultimate meaning of the poem.
From the poem, one cannot help but think what a great lover John Donne must have been. The poem begins as the persona assures that the reason for his departure is pure because of duty. Sweetest love, I do not go, for weariness of thee, nor in the hope, the world can show a fitter love for me (line 1, 2, 3 & 4). In this line, the poet is trying to assure the lover that he is not tired of the relationship. The first stanza is meant to console the lover as the poet prepares for a journey. He compares his departure to death, which is inevitable. As such, he suggests that just like death, his departure is inevitable.
In the second stanza, the poet compares his departure to the sun. Yesternight the sun went hence, And yet is here to-day (line 9&10). The second stanza the poet continues to console his lover. He states that just like the sun rises and sets, he will return. The poet uses the sun as a metaphor to mean that his departure is not permanent. Although the sun sets and leaves the darkness, the next morning, it rises and brings light. As such, even though the lover will suffer in the absence of the poet, it will only be for a short period since the journey is only temporal.
The third stanza, John Donne, focuses on larger aspects of life. in this stanza, the poet is trying to explain to his lover that life has bigger problems than being separated from a lover. O how feeble is man’s power, that if good fortune fall, Cannot add another hour, Nor a lost hour recall! (line 17,18 &19). As the poet tries to explain to his lover that life has bigger problems, he also explains to her that the reason for his departure is beyond his control. Although the first two stanzas are about assurance, the third stanza prepares the lover for any unexpected occurrences that may happen in the journey. In this third stanza, the poet is more open-minded about the journey and unsure of what life may bring upon him in the journey.
The fourth stanza assures the lover of her importance in the life of the poet. When thou weep’st, unkindly kind, My life’s blood doth decay (line 27&28). The poet tells his lover that her tears are not just tears but the blood of the poet. As such, the poet feels her pain. In this stanza, the poet makes it clear that it is not his will to depart because he pains from the separation too. The poet advises his lover not to cry or have any worry because his love for her is pure. The fourth stanza differs from the third stanza in that the poet assures the lover of his affection, event in this world full of uncertainties.
The final stanza is where the poet advises his lover not to overthink. Destiny may take thy part, and may thy fears fulfill, but think that we Are but turn’d aside to sleep (line). The poet asks the lover to think of the departure as if they were saying goodnight to each other because, in the morning, they will be together.
In conclusion, this poem is a consolation of lovers who are about to depart from each other. Although fate may direct them to different paths, if their love is healthy and pure, the lovers will eventually end up together.
Work Cited
Poetry foundation. Song: Sweetest love, I do not go. By John Donne . 4 June 2019 https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44128/song-sweetest-love-i-do-not-go