The Good-Morrow

Read 'The Good-Morrow' by 'John Donne' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Good-Morrow by John Donne

 I wonder, by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we loved? were we not weaned till then,
But sucked on country pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seven sleepers' den?
'Twas so; but this, all pleasures fancies be.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desired, and got, 'twas but a dream of thee.

And now good morrow to our waking souls,
Which watch not one another out of fear;
For love all love of other sights controls,
And makes one little room an everywhere.
Let sea discovers to new worlds have gone,
Let maps to others, worlds on worlds have shown:
Let us possess one world; each hath one, and is one.
My face in thine eye, thine in mine appears,
And true plain hearts do in the faces rest;
Where can we find two better hemishperes,
Without sharp North, without declining West?
Whatever dies was not mixed equally;
If our two loves be one, or thou and I
Love so alike that none do slacken, none can die.

Form: Lyric Comments

Comments About This Poem

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September 10, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Love's Growth by John Donne is a beautifully crafted exploration of the nature and evolution of love, delving into its complexities and ever-changing form. Donne's use of rich metaphors and vivid imagery brings to life the idea that love, much like the seasons, transforms and deepens over time. The poem suggests that while love endures and grows, it is not immune to the influences of life's challenges and changes. This poem is also a wonderful reflection on love's dynamic nature, capturing how it evolves with time and circumstance. Donne's language is both eloquent and thought-provoking, making it a joy to read. It invites us to consider how love can be both constant and morphing, echoing the cycles of nature.
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