By Despite all the difficulties in the world right now, love does prevail and as we approach Christmas and the festive season, there's never been a better time to have a go at writing a little romantic poetry for your loved one.
If you're feeling a touch of writer's block, why not borrow a line or two from some of the most romantic poets of all time.
From William Shakespeare to Emily Dickinson to Carol Ann Duffy, the great poets have helped us articulate that crazy little thing called love, so we've compiled our pick of the best. So whether you're looking for a line to make your letter that bit more romantic, a whole poem to read aloud, or you just want some inspiration for writing your own, read on for our selection of the best romantic poetry...
1. Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare was a big fan of the original form of romantic poetry - the classic sonnet - which always included 14 lines, with each line written in iambic pentameter (a steady, bouncy rhythm of 10 syllables). He has countless famous sonnets, but this one, published in 1609, is a beauty we've memorised by heart.
Best part:
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate
2. She Walks in Beauty by Lord Byron
Written in 1814, this is one of Lord Byron's most famous works. It is said that the poem was written about his cousin's wife, after he was struck by her unusual beauty.
Best part:
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
3. Love is... by Adrien Henri
When it comes to poetry, simplicity often resonates the most. This is why we love this perfectly articulated poem by Adrien Henri, written in 1968.
Best part:
Love is you and love is me
Love is a prison and love is free
Love’s what’s there when you’re away from me
4. How Do I Love Thee by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Written for her husband, fellow poet Robert Browning, this idea of love being never-ending resonates as much today as it did when it was first published in 1850.
Best part:
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
5. If You Forget Me by Pablo Naruda
This famous poem by the Chilean writer, published in the 1950s, perfectly captures the willingness to love if loved in return.
Best part:
If each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.
6. Love Song for Lucinda by Langston Hughes
While Hughes characterises love in this poem as dangerous and difficult, it's also enchanting and all-encompassing.
Best part:
Love
Is a ripe plum
Growing on a purple tree.
Taste it once
And the spell of its enchantment
Will never let you be.
7. The Good Morrow by John Donne
Published in his 1633 collection, Songs and Sonnets, this poem references biblical and spiritual conceptions of love.
Best part:
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.
8. Hour by Carol Ann Duffy
Inspired by Shakespeare's sonnets, ex-Poet Laureate Duffy's modern-day version weaves mythological references with everyday joy to capture what love is all about.
Best part:
Now. Time hates love, wants love poor
but love spins gold, gold, gold from straw.
9. That I Did Always Love by Emily Dickinson
The rebellious young American poet - who has now been immortalised on Apple TV, played by Hailee Steinfeld - wrote this unique poem about love in 1923.
Best part:
I argue thee
That love is life--
And life hath Immortality--
10. To My Husband by Wendy Cope
Cope wrote this beautiful modern ode to long-term, everlasting love, for her husband, fellow poet Lachlan Mackinnon.
Best part:
We may not have too many years before
One disappears to the eternal yonder
And I can't hug or touch you any more.
Yes, of course that knowledge makes us fonder.
Would I want to change things, if I could
And make us both immortal? Love, I would.
11. The Gift by Mary Oliver
The American poet, who died in 2019, was described as the country's best-selling poet by the New York Times. We love this poem about being grateful for love.
Best part:
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful. That the gift has been given.
12. A Conceit by Maya Angelou
This short poem by the late, great writer Maya Angelou perfectly captures the reciprocation and simplicity of true love.
Best part:
Make room for me
to lead and follow
you
beyond this rage of poetry.
13. Love's Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelley
Published in 1819, this romantic poem could also be interpreted as a love letter to the natural world.
Best part:
And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?
Treat your loved one to a book of love poems as the ultimate romantic gift this year. Here's our round-up of some of the best:
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