LOVE IS ENOUGH

 

LOVE   IS ENOUGH

‘LOVE IS ENOUGH’ is a poem written by an American author and poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox  (1850—1919). She is known for writing ‘Poems of Power, Passion & Pleasure’. , Love Is Enough  is included in ‘Poems of Power’ as well  as in a bigger volume titled ‘MORE POEMS’.

            In a note inserted in ‘Poems of Power’,  Wilcox writes : “The final word in the title of this volume refers to the DIVINE POWER in every human being, the recognition of which is the secret to all success and happiness. It is t his idea which many of verses endeavour to illustrate.”

            English author Thomas De Quince (1785-1859 distinguishes between the literature of knowledge and  the literature of power. According to him, the function of the first  is to teach and  that of the second to move. The first speaks to the mere discursive understanding; the second speaks to the higher understanding or reason, but always through affections of pleasures and sympathy.

            Wilcox’s poem referred to above defines the enough-ness of love in unconventional terms . It shuns all other gifts than that of peaceful and perpetual love between two fond hearts at a secluded place.   Written in a very simple language, it is quite  easy to understand.

The poem runs as follows:

LOVE is enough. Let us not ask for gold. Wealth breeds false aims, and pride, and selfishness;

In those serene Arcadian days of old Men gave no thought to princely homes and dress.

The gods who dwelt on fair Olympia’s height

  Lived only for dear love and love’s delight.

                                                            Love is enough.

Love is enough. Why should we care for fame?

Ambition is a most unpleasant guest:

It lures us with the glory of a name

Far from the happy haunt of peace and rest .

Let us stay here in this secluded place

Made beautiful by love’s endearing grace!

                                                            Love is enough.

Love is enough. Why should we strive for power?

It brings men only envy and distrust.

The poor world’s homage pleases but an hour,

And earthly honours vanish in the dust.

The grandest lives are ofttimes desolate;

Let me be loved, and let who  will be great.

                                                                        Love is enough.

Love is enough. Why should we ask for more?

What greater gift  have gods vouchsafed to men?

What better boon of all their precious store

Than our fond hearts that that love and love again?

Old love may die; new love is just as sweet;

And life is fair and all the world complete:

                                                                            Love is enough.

                                    **********                                                                        

 

3^rd March 2021                                                      G.  R. Kanwal