Love is Enough
By Gilbert Parker
It is enough that in this burdened time
The soul sees all its purposes aright.
The rest — what does it matter? Soon the night
Will come to whelm us, then the morning chime.
What does it matter, if but in the way
One hand clasps ours, one heart believes us true;
One understands the work we try to do,
And strives through Love to teach us what to say?
Between me and the chilly outer air
Which blows in from the world, there standeth one
Who draws Love’s curtains closely everywhere,
As God folds down the banners of the sun.
Warm is my place about me, and above
Where was the raven, I behold the dove.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker’s poem "Love is Enough" is a contemplative reflection on the enduring and sustaining power of love amidst life's trials and uncertainties. Through its lyrical quality and rich imagery, the poem explores the idea that love provides sufficient solace and meaning in the face of life's challenges and eventual mortality.
Theme and Content
The central theme of "Love is Enough" is the transformative and comforting power of love. The poem suggests that love alone can provide the necessary support and understanding needed to navigate the difficulties and uncertainties of life.
- Purpose and Perspective: The poem begins by addressing the burdened state of life and the importance of having one's purposes aligned: "It is enough that in this burdened time / The soul sees all its purposes aright." This opening reflects the idea that, despite external challenges, having clarity about one's goals and the support of love makes life meaningful.
- Acceptance of Mortality: Parker touches on the inevitability of mortality and the transient nature of life: "Soon the night / Will come to whelm us, then the morning chime." The mention of night and morning symbolizes the cycle of life and death, suggesting that beyond these cycles, the constancy of love remains significant.
- The Value of Love: The poem emphasizes the value of having love and understanding from others: "What does it matter, if but in the way / One hand clasps ours, one heart believes us true." The presence of someone who believes in and supports us is portrayed as immensely valuable, indicating that love provides a sense of purpose and connection that transcends material or external concerns.
- Protection and Warmth: The imagery of love as a protective and comforting force is vividly portrayed: "Between me and the chilly outer air / Which blows in from the world, there standeth one." Love is described as a shield against the harshness of the external world, providing warmth and security: "Warm is my place about me, and above / Where was the raven, I behold the dove."
- Symbolism of the Dove: The transition from "raven" to "dove" symbolizes a shift from darkness and foreboding to peace and hope. The dove, often associated with peace and divine presence, signifies the ultimate comfort and reassurance that love provides.
Imagery and Tone
The poem uses imagery of light and dark, warmth and cold, to contrast the comforting nature of love with the harshness of the external world. The "curtains of Love" and the transition from "raven" to "dove" enhance the sense of love as a protective and elevating force.
The tone of the poem is reflective and serene, with a focus on the solace and fulfillment that love brings. Parker’s contemplative style underscores the idea that love is a fundamental source of comfort and meaning, even in the face of life’s difficulties.
Structure and Style
The poem is structured in a sonnet-like format, with a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow that contribute to its lyrical quality. The use of metaphor and rich imagery supports the thematic exploration of love's protective and sustaining power.
Parker’s style is characterized by its thoughtful and introspective nature, employing evocative language to convey the depth of the speaker’s feelings about love. The imagery of warmth, protection, and transition reinforces the poem’s central message.
Gilbert Parker’s "Love is Enough" offers a poignant exploration of love as a source of solace and meaning in life. Through its evocative imagery and reflective tone, the poem captures the enduring power of love to provide comfort and purpose amidst life’s challenges and the inevitability of mortality. The use of contrasting imagery and the metaphor of love as a protective force highlight the central theme that love is sufficient to navigate the complexities of existence. Parker’s lyrical and contemplative style invites readers to appreciate the profound and sustaining impact of love on the human experience.