"Love Poem" by Elizabeth Jennings

This is one of my most-loved poem by a poet who describes universal truth with such honesty, simplicity and depth.


There is a shyness that we have
Only with those whom we most love.
Something it has to do also
With how we cannot bring to mind
A face whose every line we know.
O, love is kind, O, love is kind.

That there should still remain the first
Sweetness, also the later thirst -
This is why pain must play some part
In all true feelings that we find
And every shaking of the heart.
O, love is kind, O, love is kind.

And it is right that we should want
Discretion, secrecy,, no hint
Of what we share. Love which cries out,
And wants the world to understand,
Is love that holds itself in doubt.
For love is quiet, and love is kind.