Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Come Lie With Me and Be My Love," Lawrence Ferlinghetti explores the concept of intimacy and connection beyond physical love. The poem invites the reader to consider the beauty of companionship and the power of being present with one another in the simple act of lying together. Ferlinghetti’s use of repetition, rhythm, and imagery creates a lyrical atmosphere that captures the essence of romantic yearning and the longing for a deeper emotional bond.

The poem begins with a direct invitation: "Come lie with me and be my love." The imperative "come" suggests an urgency and earnest desire, while "lie with me" conveys a longing for closeness and unity. The phrase "be my love" implies a request for a reciprocal emotional connection. The repetition of "lie with me" and variations like "Love lie with me" and "Lie down with me" reinforce the yearning for intimacy and partnership.

Ferlinghetti sets the scene "Under the cypress tree / In the sweet grasses," evoking an idyllic natural setting. The cypress tree, often associated with mourning and eternity, brings a layer of symbolism that contrasts with the "sweet grasses," suggesting a mix of permanence and ephemeral beauty. The imagery of "Where the wind lieth / Where the wind dieth / As night passes" evokes the serene passage of time, where the wind comes to rest and eventually "dieth." The repetition of "lieth" and "dieth" creates a gentle, rhythmic cadence that mirrors the movement of the wind and the flow of time.

The central invitation is reiterated: "Come lie with me / All night with me." The emphasis on "all night" suggests a desire for prolonged closeness, where the couple can transcend time and the distractions of the day. Ferlinghetti then invites his partner to "have enough of kissing me / And have enough of making love," acknowledging the pleasures of physical intimacy while proposing a shift toward a different form of connection.

The poem culminates in the line "And let our two selves speak / All night under the cypress tree / Without making love." Here, Ferlinghetti captures the essence of the poem's message: the value of deep emotional intimacy that goes beyond physical affection. The desire to "let our two selves speak" implies a longing for meaningful conversation and connection, where the couple can share their thoughts, dreams, and vulnerabilities. The final phrase, "Without making love," underscores that the poem is about seeking a deeper level of intimacy that transcends physical desire.

Structurally, the poem employs repetition and parallelism to create a rhythmic and lyrical flow that mirrors the natural setting described. Ferlinghetti's use of enjambment allows the lines to flow seamlessly into one another, creating a continuous and inviting rhythm. The simple, direct language conveys the sincerity and earnestness of the invitation.

Overall, "Come Lie With Me and Be My Love" is a tender meditation on intimacy and the longing for emotional connection. Ferlinghetti invites the reader to embrace the beauty of companionship and the value of simply being present with a loved one. Through his lyrical imagery and rhythm, he captures the yearning for a love that is both profound and enduring, celebrating the power of sharing time and conversation with another person.

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