Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Law Like Love" is a poem by Wystan Hugh Auden, first published in 1939. The poem is a meditation on the nature of law and the ways in which it intersects with our understanding of love and human relationships.

The poem begins with the lines, "Law, say the gardeners, is the sun, Law is the one / All gardeners obey / To-morrow, yesterday, to-day." These lines suggest that law is a fundamental part of the natural order, something that governs our lives in much the same way that the sun governs the growth of plants in a garden.

The poem goes on to explore the ways in which law intersects with our understanding of love and human relationships. Auden suggests that law is not just a set of rules and regulations, but also a kind of love that is rooted in our sense of justice and fairness. He suggests that the most powerful forms of law are those that are grounded in love and compassion, helping us to create a more just and equitable society.

The poem is also notable for its use of language and imagery. Auden uses vivid and evocative language to describe the nature of law and love, creating a sense of depth and complexity that is characteristic of his writing. He also uses powerful images, such as the image of the "blind justice" to capture the sense of impartiality and fairness that is essential to our understanding of the law.

Overall, "Law Like Love" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that challenges us to think deeply about the nature of law and its intersection with our understanding of love and human relationships. Through its use of language and imagery, the poem invites us to consider the ways in which law can be a force for good in the world, helping us to create a more just and equitable society.

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