an essay about forbidden love

Forbidden Love in Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare Essay (Critical Writing)

Psychoanalysis often consists of different approaches, and the same topic or work can be seen from various perspectives. For example, William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tells the story of the titular characters who belong to rivaling households. This play explores the topic of forbidden love, as the main characters never get what they want due to their circumstances. The following text will review it from Jung’s, Freud’s, and Lacan’s theories.

Sigmund Freud’s perspective of the psyche is actively tied to sexual desire and the three aspects of one’s personality. These aspects are id, ego, and superego, and they have a significant effect on a person’s actions and motivations (Studious Guy, 2021). Romeo represents a classic example of one’s id prevailing over the other aspects, as he is rather impulsive and emotional. Juliet and Friar Laurence, on the other hand, have more fluctuating versions of these aspects. As soon as he first meets her, he forgets about his prior unrequited feelings for Rosaline and wants to be with the Capulet daughter. The young man triggers a conflict between her id, ego and superego, as she is aware of the rivalry; however, she desires to be with Romeo against all odds.

There is a very interesting similarity between Juliet and Friar Laurence, as both start experiencing the domination of their id over their superego and ego. Laurence is an even stronger example of that, as he poses as the mentor for the two youths; however, when he views an opportunity to use them as a way to help their families reconcile, the man agrees to preserve Romeo and Juliet’s bond and unite them with marriage (Shakespeare, 1597). At first, it seems that under the influence of their relationship, the young man becomes more rational, as he refuses to fight with Tybalt. Unfortunately, this is instantly disproven after Romeo murdering him as revenge, being banished and him ultimately taking his life, causing Juliet’s demise as well. Perhaps, if their superego had dominated, their lives would have taken a different turn, and Laurence’s goal would have been achieved without losses.

Carl Jung’s views are not as heavily reliant on sexual desires, as they are on one’s life force. He believed that the psyche’s main goal was achieving individuation, where one becomes independent from the collective unconscious, evolves into a mature and harmonious individual, and develops their true identity (GoodTherapy, 2018). The collective unconscious is formed with the help of symbols, patterns and situations related to archetypes. At the beginning of the story, Romeo represents a blend between the Rebel and the Lover, as he is irrational but appreciates love (Exploring Your Mind, 2020). Juliet seems uninterested in this concept before she meets him and is usually more rational, being the Sage. Friar Laurence is the classic example of the Caregiver, as he attempts to guide the youths through this situation.

Unfortunately, this relationship creates a conflict between the counterparts of their archetypes and deconstructs their Animus and Anima. For Juliet, her rationality and sensibility become her Persona, while in Romeo’s case it is his prioritization of thinking before acting (Studio Binder, 2022). Irrationality is completely atypical of Friar Laurence, as he attempts to protect the teenagers from their demise and fails under the influence of his wish to bring peace to the two rivalling families. Juliet becomes more impulsive, threatening to die by suicide in case she is married to Paris. Romeo attempts to conceal this side of his personality, as he tries to find peace between himself and his wife’s cousin. Alas, Romeo’s Persona is the first to collapse, as his Shadow prevails and ultimately results in Tybalt’s, his and Juliet’s death. Thus, they do not achieve individuation, as their lives and personality become disorganized, and meet an abrupt end.

Jacques Lacan’s views triggered discussions of one’s desire and its inattainability. While most people eventually find peace with this gap, the characters in the story do not. In the play, Romeo constantly seeks love for some unknown reason and there is always something standing in his way. Lacan believed that one’s desire is the other individual’s desire (Psychiatric Times, 2018). Whatever the two were seeking in love, whether it is stability, the ideal partner or the sensation that follows it, they never actually find it. This is because Romeo’s vengeful murder of Tybalt is followed by a chain of events that ultimately becomes their obstacle to achieving that unconscious desire. Unfortunately, the characters are not at peace with this loss, as the two eventually meet their untimely death as a result. Regarding Friar Laurence, it can be presumed that while his goal of making the families reconcile has been achieved, he never truly achieves his desire, just like the two teenagers.

In conclusion, the story of Romeo and Juliet receives different perceptions when viewed by the lens of Jung’s, Lacan’s and Freud’s theories. From Freud’s perspective, the characters’ problems can be perceived as the result of a conflict between their superego, id and ego. Romeo is the first one never to find harmony between the three aspects, while Juliet and Laurence develop a conflict with those moments due to his relationship with her. Jung’s beliefs are centered on the person becoming independent from the collective unconscious and evolving into a harmonious individual. This never happens to the three people, as the characters’ lives and personalities become disorganized and dishevelled under the influence of their circumstances. Finally, from Lacan’s perspective, desire is something that is unconscious and unattainable. While many people find peace with the gap presented by it, Romeo, Juliet and Laurence do not, which results in the death of the teenagers and the sorrow of the Friar.

Exploring Your Mind. (2020). The 12 jungian archetypes . Exploring your mind. Web.

GoodTherapy. (2018). Jungian psychotherapy . GoodTherapy – Find the Right Therapist. Web.

Psychiatric Times. (2018). Jacques Lacan: The best and least known psychoanalyst . Web.

StudioBinder. (2022). Jungian archetypes explained for writers . Web.

Studious Guy. (2021). Freud’s psychoanalytic theories explained . StudiousGuy – Your Study Buddy. Web.

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Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Forbidden Love in Romeo and Juliet by Shakespeare." September 2, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/forbidden-love-in-romeo-and-juliet-by-shakespeare/.

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Forbidden Love Poems: Exploring Desire’s Silent Echo

Forbidden love has been a timeless theme that has captivated poets and readers alike throughout the ages. It embodies the intense and often tumultuous emotions that arise when love is thwarted by societal norms, familial expectations, or other external forces.

In this exploration of ‘Desire’s Silent Echo,’ we will delve into the essence of forbidden love, its consequences, and its portrayal in poetry. We will unravel the yearning, the pain, and the enduring power of love that defies conventional boundaries. We will dissect the recurring themes that emerge from poems about forbidden love, including the struggle between love and societal expectations, the perils that accompany forbidden love, and the overwhelming force of desire.

We will illuminate some of the most iconic poems that beautifully capture the essence of forbidden love, offering poignant insights into this profound and often tragic human experience. Join us as we embark on a poetic journey that delves into the depths of forbidden love, exploring the profound emotions and timeless themes that have inspired poets for generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Forbidden love is a desire that goes against societal norms and expectations.
• Poetry often portrays the consequences and pain of forbidden love, highlighting the struggle between love and society’s expectations.
• Famous poems such as “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” explore the themes of forbidden love, showcasing the power of desire and the dangers that come with it.

13 Poems About Forbidden Love

1. the shadowed heart.

In shadows deep, where whispers dwell, Our love, a story we dare not tell. Forbidden, hidden, yet fiercely true, In the silence, my heart beats for you.

2. Across the Divide

Across the divide of convention’s wall, Our souls entwined, in secret call. A love uncharted, yet known so deep, In the night’s embrace, where secrets keep.

3. The Star-Crossed Lovers

Like stars crossed by the sky’s decree, Our love’s tale is not meant to be. Yet in our hearts, a flame burns bright, Defying darkness, with our light.

4. The Stolen Moments

In stolen moments, our love takes flight, A fleeting joy in the cloak of night. Each glance, each touch, a treasure rare, In forbidden love, a sweet despair.

5. The Garden of Secrets

In a garden of secrets, our love grows, Hidden from the world, a rose enclosed. With thorns of risk and petals of hope, In our secret garden, we elope.

6. The Whispering Wind

The wind whispers of a love so bold, A tale of passion, untold. Forbidden yet unyielding in its power, In the wind’s whisper, our love towers.

7. The Unwritten Law

Against the unwritten law of fate, Our love finds its defiant state. An ardor forbidden, yet undenied, In our hearts, it will forever reside.

8. The Masks We Wear

Beneath the masks society demands, Our true selves hold outstretched hands. In love forbidden, yet undimmed by strife, Our truest selves come to life .

9. The Invisible Chains

Bound by invisible chains of decree, Our love fights for its right to be. A bond so strong, yet seen as wrong, In our hearts, our love belongs.

10. The Echo of Forbidden Words

In the echo of forbidden words, a love declared, A sentiment bold, yet scared. Spoken in hush, felt in the soul, In forbidden love, we find our whole.

11. The Price of Passion

The price of passion, a heavy toll, For a love that consumes the soul. Forbidden, yes, but worth the cost, In our love, we’re not lost.

12. The Rebel’s Heart

In the rebel’s heart , where wild love resides, Against the tide, it confidently strides. Forbidden not by choice, but by decree, In our rebellion, we are free.

13. The Unyielding Flame

An unyielding flame, in the night’s embrace, Our love, a fire, time cannot erase. Forbidden, perhaps, by the world’s cold stare, But in our hearts, it’s beyond compare.

What Is Forbidden Love?

Forbidden love, often portrayed as a love that defies societal norms and expectations, is characterized by the intense and passionate connection between individuals who face insurmountable barriers to being together.

This powerful form of love leads to a tumultuous emotional journey, fraught with longing and despair as the lovers navigate the treacherous waters of societal disapproval. The intensity of forbidden love often arises from the juxtaposition of societal norms against the overwhelming force of genuine affection, creating a narrative filled with emotional depth and raw vulnerability. Such love defies the constraints placed by tradition, challenging the accepted boundaries of connection and commitment. Despite the odds, forbidden love endures, unyielding in the face of opposition, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

What Are The Consequences Of Forbidden Love?

The consequences of forbidden love are often intertwined with the passage of time, the torment of unfulfilled destiny, and the bittersweet tears shed in the pursuit of a love deemed immortal and ethereal.

Every stolen glance, every whispered promise; they form the fragile threads of a bond that defies the boundaries of convention. The forbidden love blooms like a forbidden flower, its petals soaked in the dew of clandestine meetings and teardrops of longing.

The heart, torn between desire and duty, bears the unbearable weight of a love condemned by the dictates of society. Yet, in the secret corners of the soul, its flame burns with an enduring passion, unfazed by the world’s disapproval. Poems About Forbidden Love: Desire’s Silent Echo

How Is Forbidden Love Portrayed In Poetry?

Forbidden love finds its mesmerizing portrayal in poetry through the ethereal beauty of words , the celestial essence of emotions , and the enchanting imagery of lovers entwined in a dance with destiny, whispering immortal verses to their goddess of love.

The beauty of forbidden love reveals itself through the intertwined longing, the poignant ache of hearts yearning to defy the boundaries imposed by fate. Each word crafted in poetry weaves an intricate tapestry of desire and despair, painting a canvas where love shines brighter in the shadows of society’s disapproval.

The poetic verses draw upon the very souls of the lovers, intertwining their essences in a dance that defies time and circumstance, immortalizing their union in an intricate lyrical symphony that echoes through the ages.

Love That Cannot Be

Love that cannot be, a poignant and recurring theme in poetic expressions , delves into the timeless yearning of hearts bound by an eternal connection, yet destined to remain apart from their goddess of love.

The ache of unfulfilled desires echoes through the annals of literature, where time stands still, and the heart’s fervent whispers seek refuge in the celestial realm. The yearning pulses like a hidden melody, its notes entwining with the fabric of existence, an ethereal dance that defies the constraints of mortal understanding. Each passing moment seems to etch deeper into the souls entwined in this bittersweet symphony, drawing them closer in the realm of dreams than the tangible world.

Yearning For The Forbidden

The yearning for the forbidden , an evocative motif in poetry, captures the intoxicating beauty of forbidden embrace and the poignant tears shed in defiance of fate, immortalizing the ethereal allure of forbidden love .

It is as though fate itself conspires against the union of the hearts that ache for one another, drawing them in with a magnetic force that defies reason and logic. The forbidden love blooms in the hidden chambers of the soul, its petals exuding the perfume of both ecstasy and anguish, creating a tapestry of emotions that only the truly enamored can fathom.

The Pain Of Forbidden Love

The pain of forbidden love, a recurring motif in poetic compositions, encapsulates the tumultuous passion, the entwined souls ensnared by destiny, and the haunting whispers that echo through time, carrying the tears of enduring love.

In the realm of forbidden love, desire grows as a fragile yet unyielding flame, igniting hearts with an intensity that surpasses the limitations of societal constraints. The entwined souls find solace in stolen moments, their yearning transcending the boundaries of reason. Each whispered exchange, each stolen glance, becomes an indelible imprint, etched into the fabric of their intertwined fates, a testament to the depth of their connection that defies the norms of the world.

The pain of forbidden love throbs with a poignant intensity, weaving an achingly beautiful tale of love that knows no boundaries.

What Are The Themes Of Poems About Forbidden Love?

The themes of poems about forbidden love revolve around the timeless beauty of love, the impassioned heart, the celestial essence of emotions, and the poignant interplay of fate and destiny in shaping the course of love’s journey.

These poems delve into the unyielding longing that arises from forbidden love, where the fervent emotions ignite a fervor that defies all reasoning. The verse weaves a tale of clandestine meetings under the enchanting moonlit sky, where the lovers are entwined in an eternal dance, whispering promises against the backdrop of whispered secrets.

The forbidden love blooms like a delicate flower in the cracks of a forbidden garden, its petals unfurling in the shadows, embracing the bittersweet ecstasy that only forbidden love can offer. The verses of these poems mirror the enduring resilience of love in facing the daunting barriers, persisting in its celestial essence despite the turbulence of worldly restrictions.

Love Versus Society’s Expectations

The clash between love and society’s expectations, a prominent theme in poetry, portrays the impassioned heart and soul entwined in an enchanted dance, defying the shackles of societal norms in pursuit of an immortal love.

It’s a testament to the enduring power of love, as poets have long extolled the profound depths of emotions that transcend the boundaries set by society. The yearning for an eternal bond that defies conventional constraints has been the muse for countless verses, evoking the poignant struggle of individuals battling against the formidable expectations imposed by their surroundings.

From the forbidden romances of ancient literature to the modern-day narratives of star-crossed lovers, the resolute defiance of societal norms in the name of love has perpetuated throughout history . These tales serve as a reminder of the timeless allure of love’s rebellion and the brave souls who dared to pursue their passions, despite the potential repercussions from society.

The Dangers Of Forbidden Love

The dangers of forbidden love, a compelling theme in poetic narratives, encapsulate the potent allure of forbidden passion , the dance with destiny, and the heart-wrenching tears shed in the pursuit of an enchanting love deemed forbidden.

Exploring the magnetic pull of forbidden love leads one into a labyrinth of emotional turmoil, where desires clash with societal norms, creating a tapestry of love and pain. The intertwined fates of star-crossed lovers, whose spirits yearn for an embrace despite the cautionary whispers of inevitability, draw audiences into a symphony of longing and longing.

The forbidden passion ignites an intoxicating fire in the soul, teasing and testing the boundaries of what is known and what is felt. The fervent whispers of affection, clandestine glances, and stolen moments possess a captivating essence that defies reason and logic, leaving the heart in a state of perpetual yearning.

The Power of Desire

The power of desire, a recurring motif in poetic expressions, unveils the passionate yearning of hearts, the celestial essence of emotions, and the immortal nature of love that defies all constraints , embodying the essence of forbidden love .

It is in the fervent longing of souls that the depth of desire is truly felt, transcending the bounds of earthly existence and reaching towards the infinite expanse of the universe. The intense yearning, like a flame that dances in the night sky , illuminates the hearts of lovers, binding them in a timeless embrace.

Within the essence of forbidden love lies a love that knows no boundaries – a love that, like a celestial entity, shines brightly through the veils of societal norms and expectations, casting a radiant glow upon the undying passion that beats in the hearts of the enamored.

What Are Some Famous Poems About Forbidden Love?

Some famous poems about forbidden love stand as timeless tributes to the ethereal essence of love, immortal whispers of passion, and the enduring allure of a love that transcends mortal boundaries, resonating with the essence of the goddess of love.

The eloquence of Byron’s ‘The Corsair’ and Keats’ ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci’ captures the torment and ecstasy of forbidden love, immortalizing the yearning and heartache that accompany such passionate affairs. These poems draw from the enduring allure of love that defies societal constraints, showcasing the raw, unyielding power of emotions that transcend mortal limitations. Such literary classics evoke the bittersweet whispers of love’s unfathomable depths, weaving intricate tales of ardor and longing that resonate across time immemorial.

“The Sun Rising” by John Donne

The Sun Rising by John Donne stands as a poetic masterpiece capturing the celestial essence of love, the ethereal passion that defies mortal constraints, and the immortal yearning of hearts intertwined in a timeless dance.

Donne’s verses paint a canvas where the sun itself bows in reverence to the boundless ardor shared by the lovers, as if affirming the supremacy of their affection over the grandeur of the natural world. The poem encapsulates the profound connection between the lovers as they become the center of the universe, with their ardor transcending earthly boundaries and entwining with the cosmic forces.

“The Flea” by John Donne

The Flea” by John Donne intricately weaves a tale of forbidden love, immortalizing the ethereal allure of passion, the poignant tears shed in defiance of fate, and the enduring power of love that transcends mortal boundaries.

Pages laden in dust may not capture the vivid essence of this poetic masterpiece, where the delicate dance of love unfolds amidst the enigmatic symbol of a tiny creature. As the poet deftly intertwines the sacred and profane, crafting a narrative of two souls entwined in a clandestine union, the pulsating rhythm of love emanates from every verse.

“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare’s timeless play Romeo and Juliet epitomizes the immortal tale of forbidden love, capturing the beauty of romantic passion, the whispered vows of love, and the enduring allure of a love that defies the constraints of mortal fate.

The opulent prose weaves a poignant narrative of two star-crossed lovers, entwined in a clandestine affair amidst the feud of their families. The enchanting backdrop of Verona serves as an evocative setting, enhancing the fervor and intensity of their love, which unfolds against a backdrop of societal intolerance and feuding factions. From the clandestine rendezvous to the heart-wrenching parting, the play encapsulates the essence of enduring love, as Romeo and Juliet transcend the boundaries of their circumstances to embrace an all-consuming devotion, echoing the enduring allure of love that transcends mortal constraints.

“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe weaves a haunting narrative of forbidden love, immortalizing the ethereal essence of romance , the whispered echoes of love, and the poignant tears shed in remembrance of an enduring love that transcends mortal boundaries.

In this eloquent poem, Poe’s evocative verses evoke a poignant portrayal of a love so profound that even the angels in heaven were envious of it. The heartbreaking beauty of the love between the speaker and Annabel Lee resonates with the reader, drawing them into a realm of sorrowful longing and undying devotion. The vivid imagery of the sea and the sepulcher, entwined with the tender reminiscence of a love cruelly severed by the jealous winds, lends a haunting and ethereal quality to the poem.

“The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot

The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot resonates with the nuanced portrayal of unrequited love, capturing the romantic passion, the deepest yearnings of the heart, and the celestial essence of a love that evades fulfillment.

The poem embarks on a poignant journey through the innermost chambers of the human soul, where unspoken emotions and hidden desires collide with the harsh reality of unattainable affection. Eliot’s verses paint a mesmerizing tapestry of longing and wistfulness, as the protagonist grapples with the pangs of unreciprocated ardor, desperately yearning for an elusive reciprocation that remains just beyond his reach.

The tender cadence of his yearning echoes with the ineffable beauty of a love destined to linger in the realm of unfulfilled dreams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common themes in poems about forbidden love.

Some common themes in poems about forbidden love include secrecy, longing, sacrifice, and the struggle between desire and morality.

How do poems about forbidden love explore the idea of desire?

Poems about forbidden love often examine desire as a powerful force that can lead to both joy and pain, and how it can challenge societal norms and expectations.

What makes forbidden love a compelling subject for poets?

Forbidden love is a compelling subject for poets because it taps into universal human emotions and experiences, such as love, longing, and heartache, while also allowing for exploration of complex moral and societal issues.

How do poems about forbidden love challenge societal norms?

Poems about forbidden love often challenge societal norms by portraying relationships that are considered taboo or unconventional, and by questioning the restrictions and expectations placed on love and desire by society.

Can poems about forbidden love offer any hope or resolution?

Yes, some poems about forbidden love can offer hope or resolution by showing the power of love to overcome obstacles and societal constraints, or by exploring the bittersweet beauty of forbidden love.

Do all poems about forbidden love have a tragic ending?

No, not all poems about forbidden love have a tragic ending. While many explore the pain and heartache associated with forbidden love, some also offer moments of joy, hope, or bittersweet acceptance.

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The Allure of Forbidden Love: A Dive into a Timeless Romance Trope

From the star-crossed lovers of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet to the modern tales of impossible romances, the forbidden love trope has been a staple in literature and entertainment for centuries. The idea of love that defies society’s norms, challenges boundaries, and often risks everything is not just tantalising; it’s downright addictive. But what is it about this particular romance trope that has such an enduring appeal? 

Human Nature’s Rebellion Against Constraints

At the very essence of our being, humans possess an inherent urge to push against the boundaries set before us. Whether it’s a child being told they can’t touch a certain object or an adult being told they can’t pursue a particular passion, this inherent tendency awakens even more ferociously when faced with restrictions. The phrase “you can’t have it” often acts more as an invitation than a deterrent, igniting a deeper longing within us.

In the realm of forbidden love stories, this intrinsic human trait finds its most passionate expression. Such tales capture the quintessence of our defiance against restrictions, painting love not just as an emotion, but as a treasure – elusive, invaluable, and worth every conceivable risk. It becomes a symbol of ultimate desire, something we’d brave societal judgments, personal dilemmas, and even fate itself to attain. Thus, forbidden love doesn’t just tell a love story; it reflects the very core of our rebellious nature, reminding us of the lengths we can go to when our heart’s deepest desires are on the line.

The Emotional Intensity

When diving into a story of forbidden love, one is immediately struck by the profound emotional depth that underscores every moment. It’s not just a simple tale of two hearts coming together; it’s a whirlwind of emotions heightened by challenges that go beyond personal feelings. These lovers, embroiled in their clandestine affairs, are not merely navigating their own turbulent feelings – they’re facing the colossal weight of societal judgments, familial expectations, and myriad other external impediments.

This external resistance acts as a magnifier, intensifying every stolen glance, every whispered confession, and every touch charged with longing. The constant push and pull, the balancing act between personal desires and external pressures, escalates the narrative’s tension. The fervour, the desperation, and the myriad of emotions that entangle the lovers make their journey an incredibly immersive experience for both readers and viewers. Every twist and turn becomes a visceral experience, as the audience is taken on an exhilarating emotional ride, hanging on to every word, every sigh, and every tear. This is the unparalleled emotional intensity that forbidden romances bring to the table, captivating hearts and minds alike.

The Mirror of Society

In the tapestry of literature and art, forbidden romances don’t just spin tales of clandestine affairs and passionate rendezvous. Instead, they often become poignant mirrors reflecting the complex facets of the societies they’re set in. These narratives, imbued with undertones of societal challenges, cast a spotlight on prevailing prejudices, unspoken taboos, and deep-seated biases. Whether it’s the tragic love of two individuals separated by rigid class barriers, the fervent romance thwarted by racial divides, or a love story ensnared in the web of conflicting religious beliefs, each story offers a profound commentary on societal constructs and expectations.

These tales, in their heart-wrenching beauty and drama, give authors and creators a potent medium to dissect, scrutinise, and often confront societal norms. The audience is not merely served a love story; they’re invited to introspect, to question ingrained beliefs, and to challenge the status quo. The layered narratives compel readers and viewers to reflect on their own perspectives, biases, and roles within their communities. By masterfully blending entertainment with deep societal introspection, forbidden romances not only captivate hearts but also stimulate minds, making them timeless pieces that resonate across ages and cultures.

Relatability

While not everyone has experienced a forbidden romance in the literal sense, most can relate to the idea of yearning for something they can’t or shouldn’t have. This universal feeling of longing and the dilemmas it creates can resonate with a wide range of audiences.

The Promise of Hope

No matter how dire the circumstances, forbidden love stories often carry a glimmer of hope. Even in tragedies like “Romeo and Juliet”, there’s a belief that love, in its purest form, can transcend even death. This unyielding hope can be deeply comforting.

Evolution of the Trope

While the essence remains, the trope has seen many adaptations over the years. Modern forbidden romances might involve characters from different planets or beings from different species. This evolution ensures that the trope remains fresh and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Notable Examples Of Forbidden Love

If you’re looking for a dive deep into worlds where love challenges conventions, magic intertwines with reality, and destinies await the brave, look no further. Each of these novels offers readers a unique journey, from forbidden romances in bustling markets to royal intrigues in faerie lands. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping action or heart-wrenching romance, the following books promise stories that captivate, challenge, and inspire.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The ultimate tale of young lovers from feuding families, their tragic story showcases the devastating consequences of unchecked hatred and prejudice. (If you don’t have a copy of Romeo and Juliet and you’re after a gorgeous one, I’m obsessed with my Shakespeare in Autumn collection from the Thomas Nelson Seasons Editions.)

The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje

A love story unfolding against the backdrop of World War II, this novel delves deep into the intricacies of loyalty, nationality, and unbridled passion.

Brokeback Mountain by Annie Proulx

A groundbreaking modern narrative about the challenges of same-sex relationships in conservative environments, highlighting the personal sacrifices made to conform to societal expectations.

The Shape Of Water by Guillermo del Toro & Daniel Kraus

A distinctive story about a mute woman who forms an intimate bond with an aquatic creature, it challenges and reshapes our notions of love.

A Thousand Heartbeats by Kiera Cass

As Princess Annika faces a loveless political marriage, and Lennox is devoted to reclaiming a stolen throne, fate brings these unlikely lovers together, defying all odds.

This Woven Kingdom by Tahereh Mafi

A narrative of empires in conflict and a forbidden romance, Alizeh, the hidden heir to a Jinn kingdom, and Kamran, the crown prince, find their destinies intertwined.

Set against the glamorous world of K-pop, Jenny’s life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself in love with Jaewoo, a top K-pop idol with whom relationships are strictly off-limits.

Beyond The End Of The World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

As worlds fall apart, Nimh and North defy their destinies to find each other amidst chaos, questioning whether their love can save or destroy their worlds.

The Kindred by Alechia Dow

As the galaxy stands on the brink of revolution, Joy and Felix, bound by the Kindred pairing, must navigate their complex feelings for each other while confronting dangerous political conspiracies.

Self-Made Boys by Anna-Marie McLemore

This modern reinterpretation of The Great Gatsby places the tender relationship between Nicolás and Jay at its centre, revealing unspoken desires and challenging societal norms.

An Arrow To The Moon by Emily X.R. Pan

Mingling Romeo and Juliet with Chinese folklore, Hunter and Luna confront family secrets and external threats as their love for each other becomes their guiding light.

Teach The Torches To Burn by Caleb Roehrig

In this Romeo & Juliet redux, Verona’s age-old feud takes on a new hue as Romeo and Valentine grapple with societal expectations and their growing affection for one another.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong

Set in 1920s Shanghai, Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov find their love caught in the crossfire of a turf war, all while a sinister force threatens the very fabric of their city.

A Pho Love Story by Loan Le

Two Vietnamese-American teens, Bao and Linh, fall for each other amid a family rivalry over competing pho restaurants. Can love prevail against a backdrop of old feuds and culinary competition?

Circle Of Shadows by Evelyn Skye

Apprentice warriors Sora and Daemon infiltrate a mysterious camp, leading them into deception that could change Kichona’s future. Will the kingdom’s peace be preserved or torn apart?

Girls Of Paper And Fire by Natasha Ngan

Lei, a girl of the Paper caste, is taken to the palace where she navigates intrigue and falls in forbidden love, setting her on a quest for justice and revenge in a world that suppresses her.

Carve The Mark by Veronica Roth

Cyra and Akos, from enemy nations, find themselves entangled in politics, rebellion, and unexpected affection. When loyalties clash, will they choose family or love?

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Juliette has a deadly touch. While the regime sees her as a weapon, a reunion with a past ally helps her discover her strength and potential.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

Jude, a mortal, is thrust into the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Amidst royal intrigue, she fights for her place and gets embroiled in a civil war.

The Fire Of Stars by Audrey Coulthurst

Betrothed Princess Dennaleia hides a forbidden magical affinity for fire. In a kingdom where magic is taboo, her growing bond with Princess Amaranthine complicates matters further.

The Wrath And The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

In a land of dawn executions, Shahrzad marries the Caliph Khalid to avenge her friend’s death. However, she finds herself falling for him while uncovering dark secrets.

A Web of Forbidden Love: Where Tropes Intertwine

Forbidden love often merges with other romance themes, creating complex and engaging narratives. This blending enriches the storytelling landscape, showcasing the multifaceted nature of love against diverse challenges.

Enemies to Lovers

There’s an undeniable allure when two individuals, supposed to be adversaries, find themselves inexplicably attracted to each other. The danger and tension inherent in both their enmity and their forbidden romance amplify the emotional depth of the story. Examples that deftly blend forbidden love with the enemies to lovers trope are A Pho Love Story and The Cruel Prince .

Love Across Class or Cultural Lines

Sometimes, love is forbidden because of societal hierarchies or cultural differences. These narratives explore not just romance but also broader societal challenges and prejudices. Girls of Paper and Fire illustrates this, where status and class play pivotal roles.

Magical Abilities or Curses

In some stories, it’s supernatural elements that make love forbidden. Perhaps one of the lovers possesses a power that endangers the other, or there’s a curse that makes their love lethal or impossible. Both Shatter Me and Carve the Mark meld the forbidden with the supernatural, heightening the stakes of the love affair.

Secret Identity or Hidden Agenda

When one lover hides their true identity or motives, it brings a layer of intrigue. Discovering the truth can either tear the couple apart or bring them closer, but the journey to that revelation, fraught with secrecy and betrayals, keeps readers on their toes. The Wrath & the Dawn beautifully explores this dynamic, where ulterior motives clash with genuine affection.

Sacrifice for Love

Central to many forbidden love stories is the idea of sacrifice. Lovers might have to give up their status, family, power, or even life itself to be together. The decision to choose love over other pressing obligations creates a poignant and often heart-wrenching narrative.

Friends to Lovers

One of the most endearing and relatable tropes in romance literature is the evolution of friendship into romantic love. When the boundary between platonic and romantic affection blurs, it can lead to powerful emotions of confusion, fear of rejection, and the potential loss of the foundational friendship. Making the move from friends to lovers can sometimes feel just as forbidden, especially when the stakes are a deep and longstanding bond. Stories like Of Fire and Stars tap into this delicate transition, exploring how the depth of friendship can organically evolve into something even more profound, and at times, forbidden.

By intertwining forbidden love with these and other tropes, authors craft multi-dimensional stories that resonate deeply with readers, making the pursuit of love not just an act of passion, but one of bravery, defiance, and profound transformation.

Why We All Route For Forbidden Love

Forbidden love, as a trope, captures the essence of human emotion, desire, and rebellion. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to reflect our deepest fears, hopes, and desires. As society changes, so do the contours of this trope, ensuring that it will remain a beloved fixture in storytelling for generations to come. Whether it’s the thrill of the chase, the intensity of hidden passions, or the reflection of our own desires, forbidden love stories will always find a place in our hearts.

Are you a fan of this trope? Have I missed any great books that feature this trope off my list? Drop a comment below and let me know, I’ll add them in!

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Why “Forbidden Love” Can Seem So Alluring—and When It’s A Problem

Many of us are likely familiar with the concept of "forbidden love," a romantic notion often portrayed by characters in acting and literature. It refers to a romance between two individuals that is opposed by family, friends, or society, as their relationship may defy cultural, religious, or societal norms. This could be due to disapproval from loved ones, differing backgrounds, or taboos like a significant age gap, a coworker relationship, or even a love interest who is already married.

Mark Twain captured this dynamic when he wrote, "There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable," and many of us have heard the phrase, "forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest." Apparently, such hidden feelings can intensify the romantic experience. But why is this, and what are the potential drawbacks or concerns related to pursuing a relationship of this type, where marriage or even just being together may seem like an insurmountable challenge?

Why a person may feel drawn to “forbidden love”

People of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations may experience the increased allure of a relationship that’s been deemed “forbidden.” There are many reasons why someone might be drawn to romantic dynamics that are supposed to be off-limits in some way—below, we’ll explore four of them.

1. The way the brain works

Researchers have identified a number of psychological principles that may provide some insight into why "forbidden love" is so alluring to some, particularly in the world of a young lover. One is reactance, which one study defines as "the motivation to regain freedom after it has been lost or threatened." In other words, reactance is a person's desire to work even harder to get what they want after they've been told that they can't or shouldn't pursue it. If a girl's parents say she's not allowed to date, that girl may be even more motivated to find a partner, for example. Or, two coworkers, like Justin and a woman he's interested in, whose office has a policy against dating colleagues may find that the rule actually increases their desire to get together.

Another principle that's been identified in relation to the allure of "forbidden love" is the effort justification phenomenon. The principle states that humans— and even some animals —tend to place greater value on rewards that require more effort to obtain. So, if a couple must sneak around at night to spend time together because their families disapprove, for instance, they might both be inclined to value the relationship more highly. They may fall deeper into their secret romance, potentially contemplating marriage or simply enjoying their time together, no matter the consequences.

2. The influence of the media

One study found that people who watched a selection of romantic films or read written pages of love stories to learn "reported stronger endorsement of romantic ideal beliefs than those who did not watch to learn." Since movies, TV shows, and books, many of which have played with the theme of forbidden love and the desire to marry against all odds, are a common part of life for many people beginning in childhood. The "forbidden romance" trope is common across media types—think Romeo and Juliet or The Little Mermaid—it may contribute to some people subconsciously being more drawn to this dynamic in their personal romantic lives as teenagers and adults, possibly even exploring intimate aspects like sex within these relationships.

3. A fear of abandonment or commitment

Someone who frequently finds themselves pursuing “forbidden love” relationships could potentially have a fear of abandonment or commitment. There’s often a significant chance that these types of relationships won’t work out, which may make them feel like safer choices to a person with such deep-seated worries. Someone who fears making commitments might feel more comfortable in a dynamic that has a high chance of failing, so the chances of being expected to commit to someone long-term are lower. Someone who fears abandonment might prefer this type of relationship because it may feel more predictable; they won’t be as caught off guard if or when things don’t work out.

4. Avoidance of boredom

Some people may feel compelled to avoid relationships that are conventional or “safe” in favor of those that have “forbidden love” elements. They may be trying to avoid a dynamic that they consider to be boring, preferring to take their chances on something that feels risky or unexpected. In cases like these, it might simply be boredom, curiosity, or even “the fear of missing out” that drives someone to pursue a relationship that others disapprove of. There’s also the element of the “rush” some people feel when doing something that’s against the rules. For some, having a secret to keep can make life feel more exciting.

When the pursuit of “forbidden love” may be problematic

Someone who strongly feels the allure of “forbidden love” could potentially end up sabotaging their other relationships. For instance, someone who is in a loving, healthy relationship could cheat on their partner with someone who may be inappropriate or even unhealthy for them because of one of the motivations discussed above. Or, they could break up with someone they deeply love to pursue a “forbidden love” instead. A decision like this could end a relationship that was a positive force in their life, which would likely be hurtful to the person’s partner and could lead to a pattern of unfulfilling relationships.

Behaviors related to pursuing “forbidden” relationships could also have negative consequences on a person’s life even beyond their romantic situation. For instance, if a professional gets romantically involved with their boss because of the thrill of it being against the rules, someone may end up losing their job, which could negatively impact their career and their financial stability.

The human fascination with danger, transgression, and adrenaline rushes are real, and they have the potential to cause harm to the individual or those around them.

Is “forbidden love” worth it?

Determining if it’s in your best interest to pursue a “forbidden love” relationship with someone often requires being honest with yourself. Is the connection with this person what you truly want? Have you weighed the ways in which it could negatively impact your life? Will pursuing this relationship mean you’re denying yourself the opportunity for healthy connections, or unduly harming people you love? Breaking up with someone to pursue someone else can be a perfectly valid or even positive choice, as can pursuing a relationship that others disapprove of. Determining whether it is worth it depends on your unique situation and your true motivations.

A therapist may be able to help you uncover the motivations for your choices and learn to make decisions that prioritize your well-being. If your pursuit of “forbidden love” stems from fears of abandonment, low self-esteem, substance use issues, or some other challenge, a therapist can provide you with tools that may allow you to make better choices for yourself. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Regardless of the cause, if you’ve become concerned about the romantic choices you’re making or wish to make, connecting with a mental health professional online may help you sort through your thoughts and understand what’s going on. 

For instance, a review of 14 studies found that online cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) led to an average improvement of 50% for symptoms of a range of concerns, including generalized anxiety disorder, depression, social anxiety disorder, and more.

Those experiencing the draw of “forbidden love” or any challenges resulting from it may have some feelings of embarrassment given the taboo nature of this type of relationship. With online therapy such as BetterHelp, you can connect with a qualified counselor from your home through a web page, rather than having to go to an office in person where you might encounter other people.

Frequently asked questions:

Why do people like forbidden love? Is there such a thing as forbidden love? What are some examples of forbidden love? What happens in forbidden love? What are the characteristics of forbidden love? Why is forbidden love more exciting? What is 1 sided love called? What is the purest form of love? What is false love? How to forget forbidden love? How do you deal with a forbidden crush? Why are forbidden love stories so popular? Why is true love so powerful? Is one-sided love toxic? Can true love be one-sided?

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Dawson English Journal

Publishing dawson student writing since 2010, forbidden love in ovid’s metamorphoses: an analysis of the pygmalion myth.

An essay by Evangelos Nikitopoulos

For Prof. Liana Bellon’s course entitled Introduction to College English

            Greek and Roman mythology, with its colorful setting and vivid characters, constitutes a fascinating realm of imagination, mystery and morality that has entertained and educated for millennia. Ovid’s Metamorphoses , written in 1 C.E., is a compilation of some of the most popular of these stories and has exerted a lasting influence in Western culture. Recently, it has been maintained by the writer Ted Hughes, who translated the myths, that passion is the main topic of Ovid’s work. Through an analysis of the fact that Galatea, the object of devotion in Pygmalion , is a lifeless, ivory sculpture, the idealized concept of woman that she is made to represent, and the lack of reciprocity in her relationship with her lover, I will argue that it is the concept of forbidden [1] love, not passion, that prevails in the Metamorphoses . An investigation into this subject will reveal that Ovid is, in fact, implying that ideal love is impossible.

            The clearest support for this theory is provided by the very nature of Galatea. Despite Pygmalion’s futile attempts to perceive her as a living woman, she remains a non-living piece of ivory. For Pygmalion, Galatea is nothing short of real; he speaks to her, compliments her, dresses, caresses and buys her gifts. When unclothed, she is not presented as nude, an adjective used to describe statues, but naked (120), a term applicable only to humans (class notes). Even so, she continues to exist in the realm of art: her features are of exquisite proportion (94), an echo of a perfect reality unrivaled in the real world; she is handled with care and laid in luxurious pillows and drapes (121-124), as one would place a painting in a beautiful room; even when she comes to life, Galatea is detached, perfectly posed and silent, just like a waxen figure. When confronted with the bitter truth of his obsession’s “cold fingers” (112) and unyielding flesh, Pygmalion despairs, refusing to “find her the solid ivory he had made her” (104) and imagines a life that is not there. Ultimately, this frustrating reality constitutes the supreme barrier to the sculptor’s love.

            Ovid continually stresses that this love is not for earthly women, whom Pygmalion finds imperfect and wicked, but for the unattainable ideal of femininity (class notes). Pygmalion’s hatred and anger towards the former is stressed in the sixth stanza of the myth through the use of a particularly violent h-alliteration: hardened (36), heaven (38), hardened (39), hearts (40), heartless (41) and hardness (41). This passage is referring to the corruption of the Propoetides and, by extension, of all women. Despite this, Pygmalion loves the concept of women with a passion, as the repetition of the word “perfect woman” in stanzas eight and nine highlights. Yet this passion is restricted to the sculptor alone. It is used by the text simply as a manner to emphasize his solitude, the devotion being entirely one-sided.

            The eternal barrier between Pygmalion and Galatea is made evident. What Pygmalion in fact dreams of is an impossible abstraction that can never exist on Earth. He might as well have fallen in love with the moon, because, like the moon, Galatea is beyond reach. She is “a woman lovelier than any living woman” (72-73), the embodiment of female virtue “woven from the fabric of […] dream” (80); she is pure, as symbolized by the white of the ivory (class notes), beautiful, modest (78) and submissive. Pygmalion’s passion for her all the more reinforces his unquenchable desire. In this respect, even though she is tangible and, as of line 168, wholly alive, she remains in every other way unreal.

   The final component of this relationship is the complete absence of free will on Galatea’s part. As stated above, she is submissive and, quite literally, “under [Pygmalion’s] thumb” (176, class notes). Her flesh is also likened to wax (167), which is malleable and can be manipulated and shaped (class notes). There is the fact that she is given no lines of dialogue, which constitutes a conspicuous absence. This lack of free will is expressed in Edward Burne-Jones’ painting The Soul Attains [2] , which depicts Galatea and Pygmalion. As a virtuous woman, Galatea submits herself to the sculptor’s male gaze, refraining from adopting a more active role of observation. Furthermore, the whiteness of her body stands out from the more shadowy tones of the work, marking her innocence. Lastly, it is important to note that although Galatea is represented as fully human, her eyes are devoid of life (class notes); she possesses no freedom or character and is thus eternally divided from her creator.

   As we have seen, through Galatea’s lack of life, her lack of reality, and her lack of liberty (the absence of power or personality), Ovid makes a strong statement about the impossibility of Pygmalion’s love and of all other relationships which idealize the Beloved. By presenting a hyperbolic example of forbidden love, he condemns perfect romance as something that is bound to lead to separation and failure, and is a proponent of natural, reciprocal love.

Fig. 1. The Soul Attains , oil on canvas by Edward Burne-Jones (1870)

Works Cited

Burne-Jones, Edward. The Soul Attains . 1870. Oil on canvas. Private collection.

Class notes taken on 11 September 2013.

Hughes, Ted. “Pygmalion.” Tales from Ovid. New York: Farrar, 1997. 133-139

[1] The word “forbidden” is here used in the sense of something fated which hinders or prevents the relationship from existing, and which separates the two parties, presenting an insurmountable obstacle to their being together in an emotional and mutual way. Forbidden love should therefore be considered distinct from the idealized relationship, in which the two parties can be together, albeit in a fantasized manner. Idealizing one’s partner is the cause of the separation; forbidden love in itself is its effect . 

[2] See fig. 1

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What Is Forbidden Love? Everything You Need to Know

Rachael Pace inspires with motivational articles on loving partnerships. She encourages making room for love and facing challenges together.

In This Article

Forbidden love is so strong and desirable in movies, books, or even in songs that it can make you want to be in one.

Romeo and Juliet are one of the most famous forbidden love examples. They loved each other, but their families were against it. It was a tragic love story, a forbidden love that caused pain, suffering, and, ultimately, death.

But what is it about forbidden love that makes it so appealing?

Somehow, the more challenges that come between you and the love of your life, the more you feel intense longing and love. It’s like the pain intensifies your love for each other.

In this article, we’ll discuss the forbidden love taboo and if it’s worth fighting for.

What does forbidden love mean?

When you say forbidden love, it entails two people who are deeply in love with each other but can’t be together.

There could be many reasons why their love couldn’t be.

Forbidden love refers to a love that is very strong, but due to external circumstances, it would be hard or even impossible for them to be together.

For some, a love that couldn’t be would be enough reason for them to fall apart, but for others, it’s a fight they are willing to endure.

What is an example of forbidden love?

Aside from the famous Romeo and Juliet, another example of forbidden love would be the forbidden love of Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan.

The renowned novel, “The Great Gatsby,” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells a story about a mysterious but wealthy man, Jay Gatsby, who becomes obsessed with Daisy Buchanan.

The problem is that Daisy is already married, and even though they start to have an affair, their taboo relationship has tragic consequences .

Much like in this novel, one form of forbidden love example is when a man and a woman fall in love, but both are already married or committed to one another.

When thinking about what is forbidden love, understand that it could also be love that you are in love with the ex of your sister or best friend.

These are just examples of love that is intoxicating but also condoned by society, a forbidden love.

What makes love forbidden?

No one wants to experience the forbidden love that we’re talking about, but life has a funny way of making us fall in love with the wrong person or the right person but in the wrong situation.

The love between two people can be considered forbidden for several reasons. Here are some examples of why your love, no matter how strong, couldn’t be:

– One or both of you are already married

– You are in love with someone who doesn’t love you back

– You are not from the same religion

– You are in love with the ex of a family member

– You are in love with a family member or a relative

– You are not allowed to choose your partner because of arranged marriage .

There are other factors why some love affairs are considered taboo or unacceptable. Nonetheless, the idea of forbidden love only increases its appeal.

Why a person may feel drawn to “forbidden love”

Why is the forbidden love taboo so addicting?

Is it the “you and me against the world” thinking? Is it the length of challenges you must face just to be together?

The main reason why forbidden love is so appealing is that both parties think that their love is enough to test everything that goes their way.

They vow to do their best to achieve that happily-ever-after ending we all want.

While it’s exciting, rebellious , and challenging to pursue a love that is forbidden, it’s important to realize that if you continue seeking this love could lead to consequences.

When can the pursuit of “forbidden love” be problematic?

When you are involved in a forbidden love, sometimes, your judgment could become clouded.

The couple involved may decide to pursue the love they are fighting for, but in the process, they could experience problems.

This decision could harm familial and social consequences, emotional hurt , and even legal consequences.

Forbidden love is not allowed for a reason, so it’s essential to think about it before pursuing this relationship.

Is “forbidden love” worth it?

Every love story is unique. This means that no one could tag your forbidden love as worth it because of your unique circumstances.

Only you and your loved one could analyze whether your fighting is worth it.

It’s understandable that when you are deeply in love, whether it’s forbidden or not, you want a happy ending, but what about the consequences of forbidden love?

Are you ready to face the consequences?

If you are, and if you have thought about the social, familial, and legal impact of this decision, then maybe, it is worth it.

Ultimately, only you can answer this question.

How do you get rid of forbidden love?

If you have decided to get rid of this forbidden love, then start with these steps:

Accept the attraction: Know why you are in love and want to pursue this forbidden love.

Distant yourself: The best way to move on is to create distance. This is not just physical distance but also emotional distance. Cut off all communication.

Seek professional help: Professional help doesn’t just work on couples counseling . They could also help people who want to move on.

Love yourself: Focus on yourself and your growth. Find new hobbies, redirect your focus, and know you deserve better.

Moving on from forbidden love can be challenging, but it’s possible.

Think that you’re experiencing anxiety or depression. Don’t worry; in this episode of Therapy in a Nutshell, Emma McAdam, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, tackles 6 proven ways to process your feelings.

Final thoughts

Forbidden love hurts, but it’s also addicting.

You want to fight for the person and your love story, but remember there is a reason why your love couldn’t be.

Think about it, reflect, and before fighting for it, you have to be sure you’re willing to accept the consequences.

If not, then there’s only one option – to move on.

Share this article on

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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75 Harrowing Poems About Forbidden Lovers

Here are my favorite poems about forbidden lovers categorized:

• Famous poems about forbidden love
• Poems about secret love affairs
• Poems about obsessive love
• Short poems about forbidden love

So if you want the best poems about forbidden lovers, then you’re in the right place.

Keep reading!

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Harrowing Poems About Forbidden Lovers

Embark on an intoxicating journey into the realm of forbidden love with our meticulously curated collection of handpicked poems.

Explore the intricate nuances of forbidden lovers through captivating verses, ranging from poignant odes to forbidden love to the intense depths of obsessive devotion, all thoughtfully categorized for your exploration.

Lose yourself in the passionate, forbidden narratives woven within these remarkable poems, as you discover the power, longing, and complexities of forbidden love, all nestled conveniently in one captivating anthology.

Let’s get started!

My #1 Favorite Poem About Forbidden Lovers

“Forbidden Love” by Barry Cornwall

I love thee! Oh, the strife, the pain, The fiery thoughts that through me roll! I love thee! Look, —again, again! O Stars ! that thou couldst read my soul. I would thy bright bright eye could pierce The crimson folds that hide my heart, Then wouldst thou find the serpent fierce, That stings me,-and will not depart!

Look love upon me, with thine eyes! Yet, no,―men’s evil tongues are nigh: Look pity, then, and with thy sighs Waste music on me-till I die! Yet, love not ! sigh not! Turn (thou must) Thy beauty from me, sweet and kind; ‘Tis fit that I should burn to dust, To death, because I am not blind!

I love thee, and I live! The moon Who sees me from her calm above, The Wind who weaves her dim soft tune About me, know how much I love! Nought else, save Night and the lonely Hour, E’er heard my passion wild and strong: Even thou yet deem’st not of thy power, Unless-thou read’st aright my song!

Famous Poems About Forbidden Love

“Passion” by Charlotte Brontë

Some have won a wild delight, By daring wilder sorrow; Could I gain thy love to-night, I’d hazard death to-morrow.

Could the battle-struggle earn One kind glance from thine eye, How this withering heart would burn, The heady fight to try! Welcome nights of broken sleep, And days of carnage cold, Could I deem that thou wouldst weep To hear my perils told.

Tell me, if with wandering bands I roam full far away, Wilt thou, to those distant lands, In spirit ever stray?

Wild, long, a trumpet sounds afar; Bid me–bid me go Where Seik and Briton meet in war, On Indian Sutlej’s flow.

Blood has dyed the Sutlej’s waves With scarlet stain, I know; Indus’ borders yawn with graves, Yet, command me go!

Though rank and high the holocaust Of nations, steams to heaven, Glad I’d join the death-doomed host, Were but the mandate given.

Passion’s strength should nerve my arm, Its ardour stir my life, Till human force to that dread charm Should yield and sink in wild alarm, Like trees to tempest-strife. If, hot from war, I seek thy love, Darest thou turn aside? Darest thou, then, my fire reprove, By scorn, and maddening pride?

No–my will shall yet control Thy will, so high and free, And love shall tame that haughty soul– Yes–tenderest love for me.

I’ll read my triumph in thine eyes, Behold, and prove the change; Then leave, perchance, my noble prize, Once more in arms to range.

I’d die when all the foam is up, The bright wine sparkling high; Nor wait till in the exhausted cup Life’s dull dregs only lie.

Then Love thus crowned with sweet reward, Hope blest with fulness large, I’d mount the saddle, draw the sword, And perish in the charge!

“When We Two Parted” by Lord Byron

When we two parted In silence and tears, Half broken-hearted, To sever for years, Pale grew thy cheek and cold, Colder thy kiss; Truly that hour foretold Sorrow to this.

The dew of the morning Sunk chill on my brow— I felt like the warning Of what I feel now. Thy vows are all broken, And light is thy fame; I hear thy name spoken, And share in its shame.

They name thee before me, Aknell to mine ear, A shudder comes o’er me— Why wert thou so dear ? They know not I knew thee, Who knew thee too well:— Long, long shall I rue thee, Too deeply to tell.

In secret we met— In silence I grieve, That thy heart could forget, Thy spirit deceive. If I should meet thee After long years, How should I greet thee?— In silence and tears.

“Sonnets: Idea LXI” by Michael Drayton

Since there’s no help, come let us kiss and part. Nay, I have done, you get no more of me; And I am glad, yea glad with all my heart, That thus so cleanly I myself can free. Shake hands for ever, cancel all our vows, And when we meet at any time again, Be it not seen in either of our brows That we one jot of former love retain. Now at the last gasp of Love’s latest breath, When, his pulse failing, Passion speechless lies; When Faith is kneeling by his bed of death, And Innocence is closing up his eyes— Now, if thou wouldst, when all have given him over, From death to life thou might’st him yet recover!

“Secret Love” by John Clare

I hid my love when young till I Couldn’t bear the buzzing of a fly; I hid my love to my despite Till I could not bear to look at light: I dare not gaze upon her face But left her memory in each place; Where’er I saw a wild flower lie I kissed and bade my love good-bye.

I met her in the greenest dells, Where dewdrops pearl the wood bluebells; The lost breeze kissed her bright blue eye, The bee kissed and went singing by, A sunbeam found a passage there, A gold chain round her neck so fair; As secret as the wild bee’s song She lay there all the summer long.

I hid my love in field and town Till e’en the breeze would knock me down; The bees seemed singing ballads o’er, The fly’s bass turned a lion’s roar; And even silence found a tongue, To haunt me all the summer long; The riddle nature could not prove Was nothing else but secret love.

“Whoso List to Hunt” by Sir Thomas Wyatt

Whoso list to hunt, I know where is an hind, But as for me, alas, I may no more. The vain travail hath wearied me so sore, I am of them that farthest cometh behind. Yet may I by no means my wearied mind Draw from the deer, but as she fleeth afore Fainting I follow. I leave off therefore, Since in a net I seek to hold the wind. Who list her hunt, I put him out of doubt, As well as I may spend his time in vain. And graven with diamonds in letters plain There is written, her fair neck round about: “Noli me tangere, for Caesar’s I am, And wild for to hold, though I seem tame.”

“Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare

Shall I compare thee to a summer‘s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer‘s lease hath all too short a date: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm‘d, And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance, or nature‘s changing course untrimm‘d: But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow‘st, Nor shall death brag thou wander‘st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow‘st, So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.

“Secrecy Protested” by Thomas Carew

Fear not, dear Love, that I’ll reveal Those hours of pleasure we two steal; No eye shall see, nor yet the Sun Descry, what thou and I have done.

No ear shall hear our love, but we As silent as the night will be; The God of Love himself (whose dart Did first wound mine, and then thy heart),

Shall never know that we can tell What sweets in stol’n embraces dwell. This only means may find it out: If, when I die, physicians doubt

What caused my death, and there to view Of all their judgments which was true,— Rip up my heart, oh! then, I fear, The world will see thy picture there.

“Why” by Mary T. Lathrop

Why do I love you? I don’t know! They say Love never gives a reason; But that he has one I don’t doubt, Do you? You do! That’s downright treason

Not always, let me tell you, sir, Love practiced such excess of prudence ; ‘Twas once his custom to explain The why and wherefore to his students.

And how to solve each puzzling case He taught by rule and illustration; But skeptics such as you have made Love shy of giving demonstrations.

Why foolish mortals love at all, Why we two hold each other dearest, How long ‘ twill last, and where ’twill end, You’d like to know, you precious querist?

You never will ! I’ll tell you that, Yet still maintain my first assertion: Love understands what he’s about, And blinds you first, for his diversion.

Ah, why do I love you? If I knew, I would not tell you-no, no, never! For souls like yours were made to seek, And mine to hide, you see, forever.

There’s little, sir, you don’t find out, But since that little makes life pleasant, I think I’ll keep it secret still, And so keep you, too, for the present.

“The Silent Lover” by Sir Walter Raleigh

Passions are likened best to floods and streams; The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb; So, when affections yield discourse, it seems The bottom is but shallow whence they come. They that are rich in words, in words discover That they are poor in that which makes a lover.

Wrong not, sweet empress of my heart, The merit of true passion, With thinking that he feels no smart That sues for no compassion;

Since if my plaints serve not to approve The conquest of thy beauty, It comes not from defect of love, But from excess of duty.

For knowing that I sue to serve A saint of such perfection, As all desire, but none deserve, A place in her affection,

I rather choose to want relief Than venture the revealing; Where glory recommends the grief, Despair distrusts the healing.

Thus those desires that aim too high For any mortal lover, When reason cannot make them die, Discretion doth them cover.

Yet, when discretion doth bereave The plaints that they should utter, Then thy discretion may perceive That silence is a suitor.

Silence in love bewrays more woe Than words, though ne’er so witty; A beggar that is dumb, you know, May challenge double pity.

Then wrong not dearest of my heart, My true, though secret, passion ; He smarteth most that hides his smart, And sues for no compassion.

“Penance” by Anonymous

He kissed me—and I know ‘ twas wrong, For he was neither kith nor kin. Need one do penance very long For such a tiny little sin?

He pressed my hand-that wasn’t right! Why will men have such wicked ways? It wasn’t for a minute, quite, But in it there were days and days!

There’s mischief in the moon, I know ; I’m positive I saw her wink When I requested him to go; I meant it, too, I almost think.

But, after all, I’m not to blame, He took the kiss ! I do think men Are quite without the sense of shame! I wonder when he’ll come again?

“Romeo and Juliet, Act III, Scene II” by William Shakespeare

Juliet waits for nightfall when Romeo will return.

JULIET: Gallop apace, you fiery-footed steeds, Towards Phoebus’ lodging: such a waggoner As Phaethon would whip you to the west, And bring in cloudy night immediately. Spread thy close curtain, love-performing night, That runaway’s eyes may wink and Romeo Leap to these arms, untalk’d of and unseen. Lovers can see to do their amorous rites By their own beauties; or, if love be blind, It best agrees with night. Come, civil night, Thou sober-suited matron, all in black, And learn me how to lose a winning match, Play’d for a pair of stainless maidenhoods. Hood my unmann’d blood bating in my cheeks With thy black mantle, till strange love grown bold Think true love acted simple modesty. Come, night, come, Romeo, come, thou day in night; For thou wilt lie upon the wings of night Whiter than new snow on a raven’s back. Come, gentle night, come, loving, black-brow’d night, Give me my Romeo; and, when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. O, I have bought the mansion of a love, But not possess’d it, and, though I am sold, Not yet enjoy’d: so tedious is this day As is the night before some festival To an impatient child that hath new robes And may not wear them. O, here comes my nurse, And she brings news, and every tongue that speaks But Romeo’s name speaks heavenly eloquence.

“Romeo and Juliet, Act I, Scene I” by William Shakespeare

ROMEO: Why such is love’s transgression. Griefs of mine own lie heavy in my breast, Which thou wilt propagate to have it prest With more of thine. This love that thou hast shown Doth add more grief to too much of mine own. Love is a smoke made with the fume of sighs; Being purg’d, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes; Being vex’d, a sea nourish’d with lovers’ tears: What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet. Farewell, my coz.

“Fatality” by Owen Meredith

I have seen her, with her golden hair, And her exquisite primrose face, And the violet in her eyes ; And my heart received its own despair The thrall of a hopeless grace, And the knowledge of how youth dies.

Live hair afloat with snakes of gold, And a throat as white as snow, And a stately figure and foot, And that faint, pink smile, so sweet and cold, Like a wood- anemone cloud below The shade of an ilex root.

And her delicate, milk-white hand in mine, And her pensive voice in my ear, And her eyes downcast as we speak. I am filled with a rapture vague and fine, For there has fallen a sparkling tear Over her soft pale cheek.

And I know that all is hopeless now, And that which might have been, Had she only waited a year or two, Is turned to a wild regret, I know, Which will haunt us both, whatever the scene, And whatever the path we go.

Meanwhile, for one moment, hand in hand, We gaze on each other’s eyes, And the red moon rises above us. We linger in love with the lovely land Italy, with its yearning skies, And its wild, white stars above us.

“Three and One” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

They stray through the sunlit summery weather, Two maids and a youth, ‘neath skies of blue; And each of the three, as they walk together, Is secretly wishing there were but two.

Yet the maidens love each other dearly, And both love the youth, if he only knew; But he loves one as a sweet friend merely, And the other he loves as lovers do.

She who had won his heart’s best passion Gives back a fancy, a passing whim; She loves him only coquette fashion, While the other maid-she would die for him.

And while they wander across the meadows, Their three hearts brimming with love’s sweet pain, Fate is sitting within the shadows, Weaving for them a tangled skein.

And she shall weave till the autumn weather, When th’ threads shall unravel and all come straight ; But well she loveth to knot them together, And tangle the ends for a time, doth Fate!

She at whose feet is cast that treasure, A man’s heart strong with love’s full tide, Shall use it awhile as a thing of pleasure, Bruise it, and break it, and cast it aside.

And she who is loved as a sweet friend only Shall find it bleeding upon the ground, And being herself so sad and lonely, Shall strive through pity to heal the wound.

And after a time, when she’s hushed its grieving, She shall take it, with all its wounds and scars, And hide it away in her breast, believing ‘Tis the richest treasure under the stars.

But the three walk on o’er the sunlit meadows, And dream all life is a summer land; And they pass by one who sits in the shadows, And sees not the webs in her bony hand.

And so we all, while the days are flitting, Plan out a future of joys and pains, And see not Fate in the shadows sitting, Knotting and tying the tangled skeins.

The vows we vow with a fond “Forever”, The pledge we deem there can naught befall, Fate with a touch of her hand can sever. Ah me! ’tis folly to plan at all.

Those that we love may the soonest fail us; We may grow to worship where now we hate; And what do our plans and dreams avail us? Better to leave it all with Fate.

“Saved” by Anonymous

I love you so dear soul, I love you so! And yet it is so hard-and yet I know That I must hold my love with tiger clutch, Lest you who know so much, should know too much. For what you see ‘ tis safe for you to know, But what I hide would be my overthrow. I have to hold my hands when near you, there, To keep my straying fingers from your hair. My longing arms I have to check and chide, Or they would clasp you closely to my side. My eager, yearning lips I must restrain, And if you knew the passion of my soul, Yourself no longer you would thus control. My love so infinite, and yours so sweet, Would bring you all-confessing to my feet. I would not-oh, I would not have you know; God’s mercy will not let me tempt you so; And so forever we must stand apart, Heart always vainly yearning after heart; And all our mission to each other be Still unfulfilled, to all eternity; Unless the time shall come-above, below When I may tell you that I love you so.

“Forget Thee” by John Moultrie

“Forget thee?” If to dream by night, And muse on thee by day, If all the worship deep and wild A poet’s heart can pay, If prayers in absence breathed for thee To Heaven’s protecting power, If wingéd thoughts that flit to thee, — A thousand in an hour, If busy Fancy blending thee With all my future lot, If this thou call’st “forgetting,” Thou, indeed, shall be forgot!

“Forget thee?” Bid the forest-birds Forget their sweetest tune; “Forget thee?” Bid the sea forget To swell beneath the moon, Bid the thirsty flowers forget to drink The eve’s refreshing dew ; Thyself forget thine own “dear land,” And its “mountains wild and blue,” Forget each old familiar face, Each long-remembered spot, When these things are forgot by thee, Then thou shalt be forgot!

Keep, if thou wilt, thy maiden peace, Still calm and fancy-free, For God forbid thy gladsome heart Should grow less glad for me; Yet, while that heart is still unwon, Oh, bid not mine to rove, But let it nurse its humble faith, And uncomplaining love; If these, preserved for patient years, At last avail me not, Forget me then; but ne’er believe That thou canst be forgot!

“Tell Him I Love Him Yet” by Winthrop Mackworth Praed

Tell him I love him yet, as in that joyous time; Tell him I ne’er forget, though memory now be crime; Tell him, when sad moonlight is over earth and sea, I dream of him by night, he must not dream of me!

Tell him to go where Fame looks proudly on the brave; Tell him to win a name by deeds on land and wave; Green, green upon his brow the laurel-wreath shall be; Although the laurel now may not be shared with me.

Tell him to smile again in pleasure’s dazzling throng, To wear another’s chain, to praise another’s song; Before the loveliest there, I’d have him bend the knee, And breathe to her the prayer he used to breathe to me.

And tell him, day by day life looks to me more dim; I falter when I pray, although I pray for him. And bid him, when I die, come to our favorite tree; I shall not hear him sigh, —then let him sigh for me!

“The Manly Heart” by George Wither

Shall I, wasting in despair, Die because a woman’s fair? Or make pale my cheeks with care ‘Cause another’s rosy are? Be she fairer than the day, Or the flow’ry meads in May, If she be not so to me, What care I how fair she be?

‘Cause her fortune seems too high, Shall I play the fool and die? Those that bear a noble mind, Where they want of riches find, Think what with them they would do That without them dare to woo; And unless that mind I see, What care I how great she be?

Great or good, or kind or fair, I will ne’er the more despair, If she love me, this believe, I will die ere she shall grieve; If she slight me when I woo, I can scorn and let her go; If she be not fit for me, What care I for whom she be?

“A Nymph’s Passion” by Ben Jonson

I love, and he loves me again, Yet dare I not tell who; For if the nymphs should know my swain, I fear they’d love him too; Yet if it be not known, The pleasure is as good as none, For that’s a narrow joy is but our own.

I’ll tell, that if they be not glad, They yet may envy me; But then if I grow jealous mad, And of them pitied be, It were a plague ‘bove scorn, And yet it cannot be forlorn, Unless my heart would as my thought be torn.

He is, if they can find him, fair, And fresh and fragrant too, As summer’s sky, or purged air, And looks as lilies do That are this morning blown; Yet, yet I doubt he is not known, And fear much more, that more of him be shown.

But he hath eyes so round and bright, As make away my doubt, Where Love may all his torches light Though Hate had put them out; But then to increase my fears, What nymph so’er his voice but hears, Will be my rival, though she have but ears.

I’ll tell no more, and yet I love, And he loves me; yet no One unbecoming thought doth move From either heart I know; But so exempt from blame, As it would be to each a fame, If love or fear would let me tell his name.

“Sonnet 20” by William Shakespeare

A woman’s face with nature’s own hand painted, Hast thou, the master mistress of my passion; A woman’s gentle heart, but not acquainted With shifting change, as is false women’s fashion: An eye more bright than theirs, less false in rolling, Gilding the object whereupon it gazeth; A man in hue all ‘hues’ in his controlling, Which steals men’s eyes and women’s souls amazeth. And for a woman wert thou first created; Till Nature, as she wrought thee, fell a-doting, And by addition me of thee defeated, By adding one thing to my purpose nothing. But since she prick’d thee out for women’s pleasure, Mine be thy love and thy love’s use their treasure.

“Heart, We Will Forget Him!” by Emily Dickinson

Heart, we will forget him! You and I, tonight! You may forget the warmth he gave, I will forget the light.

When you have done, pray tell me That I my thoughts may dim; Haste! lest while you’re lagging. I may remember him!

From “The Passionate Pilgrim” by William Shakespeare

When my love swears that she is made of truth, I do believe her, though I know she lies, That she might think me some untutor’d youth, Unskilful in the world’s false forgeries. Thus vainly thinking that she thinks me young, Although I know my years be past the best, I smiling credit her false-speaking tongue, Outfacing faults in love with love’s ill rest. But wherefore says my love that she is young? And wherefore say not I that I am old? O, love’s best habit is a soothing tongue, And age, in love, loves not to have years told. Therefore I’ll lie with love, and love with me, Since that our faults in love thus smother’d be.

Two loves I have, of comfort and despair, That like two spirits do suggest me still; My better angel is a man right fair, My worser spirit a woman colour’d ill. To win me soon to hell, my female evil Tempteth my better angel from my side, And would corrupt my saint to be a devil, Wooing his purity with her fair pride. And whether that my angel be turn’d fiend, Suspect I may, yet not directly tell: For being both to me, both to each friend, I guess one angel in another’s hell; The truth I shall not know, but live in doubt, Till my bad angel fire my good one out.

“I Am Not Yours” by Sara Teasdale

I am not yours, not lost in you, Not lost, although I long to be Lost as a candle lit at noon, Lost as a snowflake in the sea.

You love me, and I find you still A spirit beautiful and bright, Yet I am I, who long to be Lost as a light is lost in light.

Oh plunge me deep in love, put out My senses, leave me deaf and blind, Swept by the tempest of your love, A taper in a rushing wind.

“I Shall Forget” by Laurence Hope (adela Florence Cory Nicolson)

Although my life, which thou hast scarred and shaken, Retains awhile some influence of thee, As shells, by faithless waves long since forsaken, Still murmur with the music of the Sea,

I shall forget. Not thine the haunting beauty, Which, once beheld, for ever holds the heart, Or, if resigned from stress of Fate or Duty, Takes part of life away: – the dearer part.

I gave thee love; thou gavest but Desire. Ah, the delusion of that summer night! Thy soul vibrated at the rate of Fire; Mine, with the rhythm of the waves of Light.

It is my love for thee that I regret, Not thee, thyself, and hence, – I shall forget!

Poems About Secret Love Affairs

“Secret love” by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

He gloomily sat by the wall, As gaily she danced with them all. Her laughter’s light spell On every one fell; His heartstrings were near unto rending, But this there was none comprehending.

She fled from the house, when at eve He came there to take his last leave. To hide her she crept, She wept and she wept; Her life-hope was shattered past mending, But this there was none comprehending.

Long years dragged but heavily o’er, And then he came back there once more. -Her lot was the best, In peace and at rest; Her thought was of him at life’s ending, But this there was none comprehending.

“From the French of Anvers” by Wilfrid Scawen Blunt

My heart has its secret, my soul its mystery, A love which is eternal begotten in a day. The ill is long past healing. Why should I speak to-day? For none have ears to hear, and, least of all, she. Alas, I shall have lived unseen tho’ ever near, For ever at her side, for ever too alone. I shall have lived my life unknowing and unknown, Asking naught, daring naught, receiving naught from her. And she, whom heaven made kind and chaste and fair, Shall go undoubting on, the while upon her way The murmur of my love shall fill the land. Till, reading here perchance severe and unaware These lines so full of her, she shall look up and say, “Who was this woman then?” and shall not understand.

“Hidden Love” by Sara Teasdale

I hid the love within my heart, And lit the laughter in my eyes, That when we meet he may not know My love that never dies.

But sometimes when he dreams at night Of fragrant forests green and dim, It may be that my love crept out And brought the dream to him.

And sometimes when his heart is sick And suddenly grows well again, It may be that my love was there To free his life of pain.

“The Mistress” by John Wilmot

An age in her embraces passed Would seem a winter’s day; When life and light, with envious haste, Are torn and snatched away.

But, oh! how slowly minutes roll. When absent from her eyes That feed my love, which is my soul, It languishes and dies.

For then no more a soul but shade It mournfully does move And haunts my breast, by absence made The living tomb of love.

You wiser men despise me not, Whose love-sick fancy raves On shades of souls and Heaven knows what; Short ages live in graves.

Whene’er those wounding eyes, so full Of sweetness, you did see, Had you not been profoundly dull, You had gone mad like me.

Nor censure us, you who perceive My best beloved and me Sign and lament, complain and grieve; You think we disagree.

Alas, ’tis sacred jealousy, Love raised to an extreme; The only proof ‘twixt her and me, We love, and do not dream.

Fantastic fancies fondly move And in frail joys believe, Taking false pleasure for true love; But pain can ne’er deceive.

Kind jealous doubts, tormenting fears, And anxious cares when past, Prove our heart’s treasure fixed and dear, And make us blessed at last.

“If You Were Coming In The Fall” by Emily Dickinson

If you were coming in the fall, I’d brush the summer by With half a smile and half a spum, As housewives do a fly.

If I could see you in a year, I’d wind the months in balls, And put them each in separate drawers, Until their time befalls.

If only centuries delayed, I’d count them on my hand, Subtracting till my fingers dropped Into Van Diemen’s land.

If certain, when this life was out, That yours and mine should be, I’d toss it yonder like a rind, And taste eternity.

But now, all ignorant of the length Of time’s uncertain wing, It goads me, like the goblin bee, That will not state its sting.

“Forbidden Love” by Harry

Yes, I would fain forget thee, for my faith Is pledged to one, whom in the face of heaven I swore to love. A thousand holy stars Witnessed the compact, and the soft night breeze Wafted to heaven the pledge, “I’m thine for ever— Oh! I would fain forget thee, but thy smile Hangs o’er me like a spell—each charm of thine, And every movement of thy angel form Haunts me like the presence of some lovely But forbidden spirit. Thou art, indeed, A joy, lighting the most secret placés Of my soul—-a thing, binding me to earth— A voice speaking to me in solitude. For thee , I would have gladly been bereft, Ev’n’of my native land ; and on some sbore , Where human being ne’er before had trod, Where the red berry and the mountain stream; Had been our food, and nature’s simple gifts Our only wealth, I would have passed my days, And breathed no thought save those of love and thee. It must not be—another has my vows— And young affection’s early, sacred ties, I swear, shall ne’er be broken.

“Meet Me To-night” by John Clare

O meet me to-night by the bright starlight, Now the pleasant Spring’s begun. My own dear maid, by the greenwood shade, In the crimson set of the sun, Meet me to-night.

The sun he goes down with a ruby crown To a gold and crimson bed; And the falling dew, from heaven so blue, Hangs pearls on Phoebe’s head. Love, leave the town.

Come thou with me; ‘neath the green-leaf tree We’ll crop the bonny sweet brere. O come, dear maid, ‘neath the hazlewood shade, For love invites us there. Come then with me.

The owl pops, scarce seen, from the ivy green, With his spectacles on I ween: See the moon’s above and the stars twinkle, love; Better time was never seen. O come, my queen.

The fox he stops, and down he drops His head beneath the grass. The birds are gone; we’re all alone; O come, my bonny lass. Come, O come!

“To Lesbia, I” by Gaius Valerius Catullus (George Lamb, Translator)

Love, my Lesbia, while we live, Value all the cross advice That the surly greybeards give At a single farthing’s price.

Suns that set again may rise; We, when once our fleeting light, Once our day in darkness dies, Sleep in one eternal night.

Give me kisses thousand-fold, Add to them a hundred more; Other thousands still be told Others hundreds o’er and o’er.

But, with thousands when we burn, Mix, confuse the sums at last, That we may not blushing learn All that have between us past.

None shall know to what amount Envy’s due for so much bliss; None—for none shall ever count All the kisses we will kiss.

“The Rendezvous” by Gaius Valerius Catullus

My Hypsithilla, charming fair, My life, my soul, ah! hear my prayer: Thy grateful summons quickly send, And bless at noon, with joy, thy friend. And if my fair one will comply, And not her sighing swain deny, Take care the door be then unbarr’d, And let no spy be on the guard. And thou, the aim of my desire, Attend at home my amorous fire. Prepare thy bosom to receive All that so much love can give: Prepare to meet repeated joy, Continued bliss without alloy; Dissolving still in thy dear arms, Still raised by thy reviving charms, To onsets fresh of sprightly pleasure, Tumultuous joy beyond all measure. But dally not with my desire, Nor quash with thy delays my fire. Bursting with love upon my couch I lie, Forestalling with desire the distant joy.

“Meeting At Night” by Robert Browning

I The grey sea and the long black land; And the yellow half-moon large and low; And the startled little waves that leap In fiery ringlets from their sleep, As I gain the cove with pushing prow, And quench its speed i’ the slushy sand.

II Then a mile of warm sea-scented beach; Three fields to cross till a farm appears; A tap at the pane, the quick sharp scratch And blue spurt of a lighted match, And a voice less loud, thro’ its joys and fears, Than the two hearts beating each to each!

“Meeting And Parting” by Madison Julius Cawein

I. When from the tower, like some sweet flower, The bell drops petals of the hour, That says the world is homing, My heart puts off its garb of care And clothes itself in gold and vair, And hurries forth to meet her there Within the purple gloaming.

It’s Oh! how slow the hours go, How dull the moments move! Till soft and clear the bells I hear, That say, like music, in my ear, “Go meet the one you love.”

II. When curved and white, a bugle bright, The moon blows glamour through the night, That sets the world a-dreaming, My heart, where gladness late was guest, Puts off its joy, as to my breast At parting her dear form is pressed, Within the moon’s faint gleaming.

It’s Oh! how fast the hours passed! They were not slow enough! Too soon, too soon, the sinking moon Says to my soul, like some sad tune, “Come! part from her you love.”

“To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell

Had we but world enough, and time, This coyness, Lady, were no crime. We would sit down and think which way To walk and pass our long love’s day. Thou by the Indian Ganges’ side Shouldst rubies find: I by the tide Of Humber would complain. I would Love you ten years before the Flood, And you should, if you please, refuse Till the conversion of the Jews. My vegetable love should grow Vaster than empires, and more slow; An hundred years should go to praise Thine eyes and on thy forehead gaze; Two hundred to adore each breast; But thirty thousand to the rest; An age at least to every part, And the last age should show your heart; For, Lady, you deserve this state, Nor would I love at lower rate. But at my back I always hear Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near; And yonder all before us lie Deserts of vast eternity. Thy beauty shall no more be found, Nor, in thy marble vault, shall sound My echoing song: then worms shall try That long preserved virginity, And your quaint honour turn to dust, And into ashes all my lust: The grave’s a fine and private place, But none, I think, do there embrace. Now therefore, while the youthful hue Sits on thy skin like morning dew, And while thy willing soul transpires At every pore with instant fires, Now let us sport us while we may, And now, like amorous birds of prey, Rather at once our time devour Than languish in his slow-chapt power. Let us roll all our strength and all Our sweetness up into one ball, And tear our pleasures with rough strife Thorough the iron gates of life: Thus, though we cannot make our sun Stand still, yet we will make him run.

“What My Lover Said” by H. G.

By the merest chance, in the twilight gloom In the orchard path he met me In the tall, wet grass, with its faint perfume And I tried to pass, but he made no room. Oh, I tried, but he would not let me. So I stood and blushed till the grass grew red, With my face bent down above it ; While he took my hand, as he whisp’ring said— (How the clover lifted each pink, sweet head, To listen to all that my lover said ! Oh, the clover in bloom-I love it !)

In the high wet grass went the path to hide, And the low wet leaves hung over ; But I could not pass upon either side , For I found myself, when I vainly tried, In the arms of my steadfast lover ; And he held me there, and he raised my head, While he closed the path before me ; And he looked down into my eyes and said— (How the leaves bent down from the boughs o’erhead To listen to all that my lover said! Oh, the leaves hanging lowly o’er me!) Had he moved aside but a little way, I could surely then have passed him;

And he knew I never could wish to stay, And would not have heard what he had to say, Could I only aside have cast him. It was almost dark, and the moments sped, And the searching night wind found us; But he drew me nearer, and softly said (How the pure, sweet wind grew still instead, To listen to all that my lover said! Oh, the whispering wind around us!)

I am sure he knew, when he held me fast, That I must be all unwilling, For I tried to go, and I would have passed, As the night was come with its dew at last, And the sky with its stars was filling ; But he clasped me close when I would have fled, And he made me hear his story; And his soul came out from his lips and said— (How the stars crept out, where the white moon led, To listen to all that my lover said ! Oh, the moon and the stars in glory!)

I know that the grass and the leaves will not tell, And I’m sure that the wind—precious rover— Will carry his secret so safely and well That no being shall ever discover One word of the many that rapidly fell From the eager lips of my lover. And the moon and the stars that looked over Shall never reveal what a fairy-like spell They wove round about us that night in the dell, In the path through the dew-laden clover; Nor echo the whispers that made my heart swell As they fell from the lips of my lover.

“You Kissed Me” by Josie Hunt

You kissed me!—my head had dropped low on your breast, With a feeling of shelter and infinite rest, While the holy emotions my tongue dare not speak Flashed up, like a flame, from my heart to my cheek. Your arms held me fast—Oh, your arms were so bold— Heart responded to heart in that passionate hold; Your glances seemed drawing my soul through mine eyes, As the sun draws the mist from the sea to the skies; And your lips clung to mine, till I prayed in my bliss They might never unclasp in that rapturous kiss.

You kissed me!—my heart, and my breast, and ay will, In delirious joy for a moment stood still; Life had for me then no temptations or charms, No vista of pleasure outside of your arms; And were I this instant an angel possessed Of the glory and peace that are given the blest, I would fling my white robes unrepiningly down, And take from my forehead its beautiful crown, To nestle once more in the haven of rest, With your lips upon mine, and my head on your breast.

You kissed me!—my soul, in a bliss so divine, Reeled and swooned like a foolish man drunken with wine ; And I thought ‘ twere delicious to die then, if death Would come while my lips were still moist with your breath ; “Twere delicious to die, if my heart might grow cold While your arms wrapt me close in that passion ate hold. And these are the questions I ask day and night: Must my life taste but one such exquisite de light? Would you care if your breast were my shelter as then? And if you were here, would you kiss me again?

“Song” by Gerald Griffin

A place in thy memory, dearest, Is all that I claim, So pause and look back when thou hearest The sound of my name. Another may woo thee nearer, Another may win and wear, I care not though he be dearer, If I am remembered there.

Could I be thy true lover, dearest, Couldst thou smile on me, I would be the fondest and nearest That ever loved thee. But a cloud o’er my pathway is glooming Which never must break upon thine, And Heaven which made thee all blooming Ne’er made thee to wither on mine.

Remember me not as a lover Whose fond hopes are crossed, Whose bosom can never recover The light it has lost; As the young bride remembers the mother She loves, yet never may see, As a sister remembers a brother, Oh, dearest, remember me.

“I Wandered by the Brook-Side” by Lord Houghton

I wandered by the brook-side, I wandered by the rill, I could not hear the brook flow, The noisy wheel was still. There was no burr of grasshopper, No chirp of any bird ; But the beating of my own heart, Was all the sound I heard.

I sat beneath the elm-tree, I watched the long, long shade, And as it grew still longer, I did not feel afraid ; For I listened for a foot fall, I listened for a word ; But the beating of my own heart, Was all the sound I heard.

He came not-no, he came not, The night came on alone. The little stars sat, one by one, Each on his golden throne ; The evening air passed by my cheek, The leaves above were stirred ; But the beating of my own heart, Was all the sound I heard.

Fast, silent tears were flowing, When something stood behind, A hand was on my shoulder, I knew its touch was kind ; It drew me nearer, nearer, We did not speak one word ; For the beating of our own hearts, Was all the sound we heard.

“Was It For This?” by Philip Bourke Marston

Was it for this we met three years ago: Took hands, spake low, sat side by side, and heard The sleeping trees beneath us touched and stirred By some mild twilight wind as soft as snow, And with the sun’s last kisses still aglow? Was it for this the end was so deferred? For this thy lips at length let through the word That saved my soul, as all Love’s angels know? Was it for this, that sweet word being said, We kissed and clung together in our bliss And walked within Love’s sunlight and Love’s shade? Was it for this-to dwell henceforth apart, One housed with death, and one with beggared heart? Nay, surely, love, it was for more than this.

“Rose Kissed Me To-day” by Austin Dobson

Rose kissed me to-day, Will she kiss me to-morrow? Let it be as it may, Rose kissed me to-day. But the pleasure gives way To a savor of sorrow. Rose kissed me to-day— Will she kiss me to-morrow?

“I Waited Till the Twilight” by Charles Swain

I waited till the twilight, And yet he did not come ; I strayed along the brookside, And slowly wandered home : When who should come behind me, But him I would have chid ; He said he came to find me Do you really think he did?

He said since last we parted, He’d thought of naught so sweet, As of this very moment, The moment we should meet. He showed me where, half-shaded, A cottage home lay hid ; He said for me he’d made it Do you really think he did?

He said when first he saw me, Life seemed at once divine, Each night he dreamed of angels, And every face was mine ; Sometimes, a voice in sleeping, Would all his hopes forbid ; And then he’d waken weeping Do you really think he did?

“A Kiss in the Rain” by Anonymous

One stormy morn I chanced to meet A lassie in the town ; Her locks were like the ripened wheat, Her laughing eyes were brown.

I watched her, as she tripped along, Till madness filled my brain, And then-and then-I knew ‘ twas wrong I kissed her in the rain.

With rain-drops shining on her cheek, Like dew-drops on a rose, The little lassie strove to speak, My boldness to oppose ; She strove in vain, and, quivering, Her finger stole in mine ; And then the birds began to sing, The sun began to shine.

Oh, let the clouds grow dark above, My heart is light below ; ‘Tis always summer when we love, However winds may blow ; And I’m proud as any prince, All honors I disdain ; She says I am her rain-beau since I kissed her in the rain.

“Thy Hands Will Draw Me In” by Anonymous

Once in the twilight of a wintry day, One passed me silent, struggling on his way, With head bowed low and hands that burdens bore, And saw not how a little space before,

A woman watched his coming, where the light Poured a glad welcome through a window bright, Set thick with flowers that showed no fairer bloom Than her sweet face, turned outward to the gloom.

Yet when his foot, with quick impatient stride, But touched the step, the door swung open wide ; Soft hands reached swiftly out, with eager hold, And drew the dear one in from storm and cold.

O love! whose eyes, from some celestial height, Behold me toiling burdened through the night, Sender of every blast at which I cower, Yet smiling still, to know how brief the hour,

Keeping within thy radiant, love-lit home, Some glad surprise to whisper when I come “Tis but a breath till I the door shall win, And thy dear hands will softly draw me in.

“Thy Name I Murmur Softly” by Anonymous

Thy name I murmur softly, When night winds sigh, When silent stars are keeping Their watch on high.

To listening ears I breathe not Thy gentle name, Nor say that in my bosom Glows love’s wild flame.

My lips betray, reveal not, Thou’rt dear to me; None see these tears of anguish I shed for thee.

“The Parting” by Goethe

Let mine eyes the farewell speak, love, For my lips they never can ! Though my heavy heart may break, love, I must bear it as a man.

Sad becomes in such an hour Sweetest pledge and accents bland, Cold thy kiss, and feeble power In the pressure of thy hand.

Other times a kiss was rapture, If our lips a moment met, A rejoicing like the capture Of the rare March violet.

Now no more of garlands any, No more roses, give I thee, Spring it is, my darling Fanny, But sad autumn unto me!

“Love on Deck” by George Barlow

“I never loved you much, ” she said, “But I wanted to pass the time. The hours pass slow on a ship, you know, In a lazy, tropical clime. Have I hurt you much ? Forgive me, then, If I own that I was wrong. Cure the smart, and heal your heart, By writing it all in a song. “ The waves flowed free, and the waves flowed wide, As they sat and whispered side by side.

“I never cared much for you,” he said, “But I wanted a subject fit. I’d verses to make, and I thought I could take Your heart and model from it. Have I pained you much ? Forgive me, dear. A ship is a dreary place ; It is wrong to flirt, but you are n’t much hurt, And you have a lovely face ! “ The waves flowed free, and the waves flowed strong, And the good ship bore them both along.

Each looked at each. They did not smile : The tears were in either’s eyes. And the cliffs of England rose the while From the waves, a white surprise. Hand sought for hand, – ” Shall we gravely end What first was a freak of the heart? Shall we meet once more on the English shore, But this time never to part ? “ The cliffs rose white from the sunny seas, And church-bells sounded on the breeze.

“In a Gondola” by Joaquin Miller

I. ‘T was night in Venice. Then down to the tide, Where a tall and shadowy gondolier Leaned on his oar, like a lifted spear: ‘Twas night in Venice. Then side by side We sat in his boat. Then oar a-trip On the black boat’s keel, then dip and dip: These boatmen should build their boats more wide, For we were together and side by side.

II. The sea it was level as seas of light, As still as the light ere a hand was laid To the making of lands, or the seas were made. ‘T was fond as a bride on her bridal night, When a great love swells in her soul like a sea, And makes her but less than divinity. ‘Twas night, the soul of the day I wis: A woman’s face hiding from her first kiss.

III. ‘Twas night in Venice. On o’er the tide These boats they are narrow as they can be; These crafts they are narrow enough, and we, To balance the boat, sat side by side Out under the arch of the Bridge of Sighs, On under the arch of the star-sown skies; We two were together on the Adrian Sea, — The one fair woman of the world to me.

IV. These narrow-built boats, they rock when at sea, And they make one afraid. So she leaned to me; And that is the reason alone there fell Such golden folds of abundant hair Down over my shoulder, as we sat there. These boatmen should build their boats more wide, Wider for lovers : as wide – ah, well! But who is the rascal to kiss and tell?

“Kiss Me Softly” by John Godfrey Saxe

Κiss me softly and speak to me low, Malice has ever a vigilant ear ; What if malice were lurking near? Kiss me, dear ! Kiss me softly and speak to me low.

Kiss me softly and speak to me low, Envy too has a watchful ear ; What if envy should chance to hear ? Kiss me, dear ! Kiss me softly and speak to me low.

Kiss me softly and speak to me low, — Trust me, darling, the time is near When lovers may love with never a fear, – Kiss me, dear ! Kiss me softly and speak to me low.

“I Never Loved You More” by Bertolt Brecht

I never loved you more, ma soeur Than as I walked away from you that evening. The forest swallowed me, the blue forest, ma soeur The blue forest and above it pale stars in the west.

I did not laugh, not one little bit, ma soeur As I playfully walked towards a dark fate – While the faces behind me Slowly paled in the evening of the blue forest.

Everything was grand that one night, ma soeur Never thereafter and never before, I admit it: I was left with nothing but the big birds And their hungry cries in the dark evening sky.

Poems About Obsessive Love

“Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of ANNABEL LEE; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me.

I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love, I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me.

And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsman came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulchre In this kingdom by the sea.

The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me, Yes!, that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we, Of many far wiser than we, And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee.

For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride, In the sepulchre there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.

“A Valentine” by Edgar Allan Poe

For her this rhyme is penned, whose luminous eyes, Brightly expressive as the twins of Leda, Shall find her own sweet name, that nestling lies Upon the page, enwrapped from every reader. Search narrowly the lines!, they hold a treasure Divine, a talisman, an amulet That must be worn at heart. Search well the measure, The words, the syllables! Do not forget The trivialest point, or you may lose your labor And yet there is in this no Gordian knot Which one might not undo without a sabre, If one could merely comprehend the plot. Enwritten upon the leaf where now are peering Eyes scintillating soul, there lie perdus Three eloquent words oft uttered in the hearing Of poets, by poets, as the name is a poet’s, too, Its letters, although naturally lying Like the knight Pinto, Mendez Ferdinando, Still form a synonym for Truth, Cease trying! You will not read the riddle, though you do the best you can do.

“The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore, While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. “‘Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door, Only this, and nothing more.”

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow;, vainly I had sought to borrow From my books surcease of sorrow, sorrow for the lost Lenore, For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore, Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain Thrilled me, filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before; So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating, “‘Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door, Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;- This it is, and nothing more.”

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer, “Sir,” said I, “or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore; But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping, And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door, That I scarce was sure I heard you”, here I opened wide the door;- Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before; But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token, And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, “Lenore!” This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, “Lenore!”, Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning, Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before. “Surely,” said I, “surely that is something at my window lattice: Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore, Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;, ‘Tis the wind and nothing more.”

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter, In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore; Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he; But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door, Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door, Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling, By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore. “Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou,” I said, “art sure no craven, Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore, Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night’s Plutonian shore!” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

Much I marveled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly, Though its answer little meaning, little relevancy bore; For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door, Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door, With such name as “Nevermore.”

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. Nothing further then he uttered, not a feather then he fluttered, Till I scarcely more than muttered, “other friends have flown before, On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.” Then the bird said, “Nevermore.”

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken, “Doubtless,” said I, “what it utters is its only stock and store, Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore, Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore Of ‘Never, nevermore’.”

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door; Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore, What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore Meant in croaking “Nevermore.”

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom’s core; This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining On the cushion’s velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o’er, But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o’er, She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor. “Wretch,” I cried, “thy God hath lent thee, by these angels he hath sent thee Respite, respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore! Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil!, prophet still, if bird or devil!, Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore, Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted, On this home by horror haunted, tell me truly, I implore, Is there, is there balm in Gilead?, tell me, tell me, I implore!” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Prophet!” said I, “thing of evil, prophet still, if bird or devil! By that Heaven that bends above us, by that God we both adore, Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn, It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore, Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore.” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

“Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend,” I shrieked, upstarting, “Get thee back into the tempest and the Night’s Plutonian shore! Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken! Leave my loneliness unbroken!, quit the bust above my door! Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!” Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door; And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon’s that is dreaming, And the lamplight o’er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor; And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor Shall be lifted, nevermore!

“The Dream” by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Love, if I weep it will not matter, And if you laugh I shall not care; Foolish am I to think about it, But it is good to feel you there.

Love, in my sleep I dreamed of waking, — White and awful the moonlight reached Over the floor, and somewhere, somewhere, There was a shutter loose, —it screeched!

Swung in the wind, — and no wind blowing! — I was afraid, and turned to you, Put out my hand to you for comfort, — And you were gone! Cold, cold as dew,

Under my hand the moonlight lay! Love, if you laugh I shall not care, But if I weep it will not matter, — Ah, it is good to feel you there!

“Haunting Eyes” by Caroline Norton

In the hour I first beheld thee, Soft thy kindly glances fell; And my heart bowed down before thee, As beneath a magic spell. Since that time like some sweet phantom, In my home thy form doth rise, And where’er my sad gaze wanders There I meet thy haunting eyes.

Oh, those eyes ! their lovely shadow Stole the light of life away, And my heart in languid dreaming, Idly pines from day to day. Vain the evening’s dewy coolness Vain the calm of midnight skies ; E’en with darkness closing round me, Still I see those haunting eyes.

“Maid of Athens” by Lord Byron

Maid of Athens, ere we part, Give, oh give me back my heart ! Or, since that has left my breast, Keep it now, and take the rest ! Hear my vow before I go, My dearest life, I love thee.

By those tresses unconfined, Wooed by each Aegean wind ; By those lids whose jetty fringe Kiss thy soft cheeks’ blooming tinge ; By those wild eyes like the roe, My dearest life, I love thee.

By that lip I long to taste ; By that zone encircled waist ; By all the token-flowers that tell What words can never speak so well ; By love’s alternate joy and woe, My dearest life, I love thee.

Maid of Athens ! I amgone ; Think of me sweet ! when alone. Though I fly to Istambol, Athens holds my heart and soul ; Can I cease to love thee? No! My dearest life, I love thee.

“Come Into the Garden, Maud” by Alfred Tennyson

Come into the garden, Maud, For the black bat, night, has flown, Come into the garden, Maud, I am here at the gate alone; And the woodbine spices are wafted abroad, And the musk of the rose is blown.

For a breeze of morning moves, And the planet of Love is on high, Beginning to faint in the light that she loves In a bed of daffodil sky, To faint in the light of the sun she loves, To faint in his light, and to die.

All night have the roses heard The flute, violin, bassoon; All night has the casement jessamine stirr’d To the dancers dancing in tune; Till a silence fell with the waking bird, And a hush with the setting moon.

I said to the lily, “There is but one With whom she has heart to be gay. When will the dancers leave her alone? She is weary of dance and play.” Now half to the setting moon are gone, And half to the rising day; Low on the sand and loud on the stone The last wheel echoes away.

I said to the rose, “The brief night goes In babble and revel and wine. O young lord-lover, what sighs are those, For one that will never be thine? But mine, but mine,” so I sware to the rose, “For ever and ever, mine.”

And the soul of the rose went into my blood, As the music clash’d in the hall; And long by the garden lake I stood, For I heard your rivulet fall From the lake to the meadow and on to the wood, Our wood, that is dearer than all;

From the meadow your walks have left so sweet That whenever a March-wind sighs He sets the jewel-print of your feet In violets blue as your eyes, To the woody hollows in which we meet And the valleys of Paradise.

The slender acacia would not shake One long milk-bloom on the tree; The white lake-blossom fell into the lake As the pimpernel dozed on the lea; But the rose was awake all night for your sake, Knowing your promise to me; The lilies and roses were all awake, They sigh’d for the dawn and thee.

Queen rose of the rosebud garden of girls, Come hither, the dances are done, In gloss of satin and glimmer of pearls, Queen lily and rose in one; Shine out, little head, sunning over with curls, To the flowers, and be their sun.

There has fallen a splendid tear From the passion-flower at the gate. She is coming, my dove, my dear; She is coming, my life, my fate; The red rose cries, “She is near, she is near;” And the white rose weeps, “She is late;” The larkspur listens, “I hear, I hear;” And the lily whispers, “I wait.”

She is coming, my own, my sweet; Were it ever so airy a tread, My heart would hear her and beat, Were it earth in an earthy bed; My dust would hear her and beat, Had I lain for a century dead, Would start and tremble under her feet, And blossom in purple and red.

“Edward Gray” by Alfred Tennyson

Sweet Emma Moreland, of yonder town, Met me walking on yonder way, “And have you lost your heart ?” she said; “And are you married yet, Edward Gray?”

Sweet Emma Moreland spoke to me: Bitterly weeping I turned away; “Sweet Emma Moreland, love no more Can touch the heart of Edward Gray.

“Ellen Adair she loved me well, Against her father’s and mother’s will; To-day I sat for an hour and wept By Ellen’s grave, on the windy hill.

“Shy she was, and I thought her cold; Thought her proud, and fled over the sea; Filled I was with folly and spite, When Ellen Adair was dying for me.

“Cruel, cruel the words I said! Cruelly came they back to-day: ‘You’re too slight and fickle,’ I said, ‘To trouble the heart of Edward Gray!’

“There I put my face in the grass Whispered, ‘ Listen to my despair: I repent me of all I did: Speak a little, Ellen Adair!”

“Then I took a pencil, and wrote On the mossy stone, as I lay, ‘Here lies the body of Ellen Adair; And here the heart of Edward Gray!’

“Love may come, and love may go, And fly like a bird, from tree to tree: But I will love no more, no more, Till Ellen Adair come back to me.

“Bitterly wept I over the stone: Bitterly weeping I turned away: There lies the body of Ellen Adair! And there the heart of Edward Gray!”

“Too Late” by Mrs. Craik

Could ye come back to me, Douglas, Douglas, In the old likeness that I knew, I would be so faithful, so loving, Douglas, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

Never a scornful word should grieve ye, I’d smile on ye sweet as the angels do : Sweet as your smile on me shone ever, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

Oh! to call back the days that are not ! My eyes were blinded, your words were few; Do you know the truth now up in heaven, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true?

I never was worthy of you, Douglas ; Not half worthy the like of you ; Now all men beside seem to me like shadows I love you, Douglas, tender and true.

Stretch out your hand to me, Douglas, Douglas, Drop forgiveness from heaven like dew, As I lay my heart on your dead heart, Douglas, Douglas, Douglas, tender and true.

“The Unrealized Ideal” by Frederick Locker

My only love is always near, — In country or in town. I see her twinkling feet, I hear The whisper of her gown.

She foots it ever fair and young. Her locks are tied in haste, And one is o’er her shoulder flung, And hangs below her waist.

She ran before me in the meads; And down this world-worn track She leads me on; but while she leads She never gazes back.

And yet her voice is in my dreams, To witch me more and more; That wooing voice! Ah me, it seems Less near me than of yore.

Lightly I sped when hope was high, And youth beguiled the chase; I follow, -follow still, but I Shall never see her Face.

“At Dawn” by Amy Levy

In the night I dreamed of you; All the place was filled With your presence; in my heart The strife was stilled!

All night I have dreamed of you, Now the morn is gray, How shall I arise and face The empty day?

“Do You?” by Anonymous

Do you feel sometimes in your dreaming The weight of my head on your breast? Or the velvety touch of my kisses On your lips in passion impressed?

Do you hold me sometimes in your dreaming In a rapturous clasp on your heart? Or cry in the depth of your yearning ” Tis cruel to keep us apart?”

Does my hand with its lingering caresses Touch yours with its magic again, Till starting you wake from the pressure To find that your dreaming was vain?

Though light as the fall of a rose leaf, You’d feel the sweet weight of my kiss, And starting you’d waken to kiss me, And taste Love’s ineffable bliss?

Ah! never again shall I see you, Nor look in your proud grand face, Ne’er feel the sweet balm of your kisses, Or thrill to your tender embrace.

For our lives lie asunder forever, More wide than the cruel sea, But I love you! I love you! I love you! And in dreams I will linger with thee.

“Longings” by Anonymous

If I could hold your hands to-night, Just for a little while, and know That only I, of all the world, Possessed them so.

A slender shape in that old chair, If I could see you here to-night, Between me and the twilight pale So light and frail.

Your cool white dress, its folding lost In one broad sweep of shadow gray; Your weary head just drooped aside, That sweet old way.

Bowed like a flower-cup splashed with rain, The darkness crossing half your face, And just the glimmer of a smile For one to trace.

If I could see your eyes that reach Far out into the farthest sky, Where past the trail of dying suns The old years lie.

Or touch your silent lips to-night, And steal the sadness from their smile, And find the last kiss they have kept This weary while!

If it could be-Oh, all in vain The restless trouble of my soul Sets, as the great tides of the moon, Toward your control!

In vain the longings of the lips, The eye’s desire, and the pain; The hunger of the heart—O love, Is it in vain.

“Last Night” by CHR. Winther (Theo. Marziali, Translator)

Last night the nightingale woke me, Last night when all was still, It sang in the golden moonlight, From out the woodland hill. I opened my window so gently; I looked on the dreaming dew, — And oh the bird, my darling, Was singing, singing of you.

I think of you in the daytime, I dream of you by night, I wake and would you were here love, And tears are blinding my sight. I hear a low breath in the lime tree, The wind is floating thro’, And oh ! the night, my darling, Is sighing, sighing for you.

O think not I can forget you ; I could not tho’ I would, I see you in all around me, The stream, the night, the wood, The flowers that slumber so gently, The stars above the blue, Oh! heaven itself my darling, Is praying, praying for you.

“I Would Live In Your Love” by Sara Teasdale

I would live in your love as the sea-grasses live in the sea, Borne up by each wave as it passes, drawn down by each wave that recedes; I would empty my soul of the dreams that have gathered in me, I would beat with your heart as it beats, I would follow your soul as it leads.

Short Poems About Forbidden Love

“To Electra” by Robert Herrick

I dare not ask a kiss; I dare not beg a smile ; Lest having that or this, I might grow proud the while.

No, no, the utmost share Of my desires shall be, Only to kiss that air That lately kisséd thee.

“Make Ready, Fair Lady, To-night” by John Dryden

He: Make ready, fair Lady, to-night; Come down to the door below; For I will be there To receive you with care, And with your true Love you shall go.

She: And when the Stars twinkle so bright, Then down to the door will I creep; To my Love I will fly, E’er the Jealous can spy, And leave my old Daddy asleep.

“Two Sides of It” by Anonymous

HE. If you were but in love with me As I, dear, am with you— Think how your heart would grieve to see Each cherished hope untrue; And think how dark the world would seem At the sad ending of your dream!

SHE. If you were not in love with me As I am not with you, Imagine how you’d long to flee As I now yearn to do Think, think, oh think! how bored you’d be If you were not in love with me.

“An Explanation” by Walter Learned

Her lips were so near That-what else could I do? You’ll be angry, I fear, But her lips were so near Well, I can’t make it clear, Or explain it to you, But her lips were so near That-what else could I do?

“The Sweetest Flower That Blows” by Frederick Peterson

The sweetest flower that blows I give you as we part; For you it is a rose; For me it is my heart.

The fragrance it exhales (Ah, if you only knew! ) , Which but in dying fails, It is my love of you.

The sweetest flower that grows I give you as we part; You think it but a rose; Ah, me! it is my heart.

“But Oh! ’twas hard to have him go” by Celia E. Gardiner

But oh! ’twas hard to have him go, —to know Day after day must pass without one sight Of him who was so dear, so dear! to pine, And sigh, and long for one hand- clasp; one sound Of that soft, pleasant voice, to me so sweet; One glance of those dear eyes I loved to meet.

“They Parted” by James Robinson Planche

They parted- if it be to part Still to live in each other’s heart, Forever one dear face behold, Forever one dear form enfold, One voice forever seem to hear.

“Passion” by Madison Julius Cawein

The wine-loud laughter of indulged Desire Upon his lips, and, in his eyes, the fire Of uncontrol, he takes in reckless hands, – And interrupts with discords, – the sad lyre Of LOVE’S deep soul, and never understands.

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5 Poems About Forbidden Love That Is Deliciously Frustrating

January 22, 2023

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Wanting something you cannot have – whether that be an object, a person, a situation in life or just about anything else – is deliciously frustrating, isn’t it? The idea of the “forbidden fruit” has always made us want whatever it is even more! Poems about forbidden love will celebrate this – or ragingly denounce it, depending on the poet’s point of view!

Reading about other people who want what they just can’t have may make you feel a little better about your current situation – if you have a forbidden love then comfort yourself with our collection of poems written by people who know exactly what you’re going through.

Poetry can be incredibly calming for the mind, and it can help you to marshal your thoughts – being in a confusing place with a love that is denied to you is the perfect time to get into reading poems about forbidden loves.

It can help you to explore the feelings you may have around this, and can also help you to move on from it if need be. Good writing can really reach deep inside your soul, so do yours a favor and sit down with our latest collection.

Poems About Forbidden Love

Married Man

Author: b. holland, author: a. allison, author: n. ellis, secret love, author: a. peck, author: a. salazar.

Interested in reading more classic, short famous poems? Check out these about touch , size , or these about self love .

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My name is Sarah and I am the person behind this website. I am a poetry enthusiast, who collects poems about people, positivity, self-care and motivation – almost about everything around and inside us.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Duchess of Malfi — The Theme of Forbidden Love in The Duchess of Malfi and The Merchant’s Tale

The Theme of Forbidden Love in The Duchess of Malfi and The Merchant's Tale

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10 Best Forbidden Love Movies, Ranked

O ne of the most romanticized and beloved "tropes" in both films and movies is forbidden love. Often seen in literature, with writers like William Shakespeare featuring it in their works, forbidden love tales have been around for the longest time. But what is it exactly that makes these romance stories so appealing? To put it simply, humankind's obsession with wanting what they can't have is the major culprit.

It's not difficult to feel drawn to movies that explore taboo relationships as they can be extremely passionate and exciting, mostly because they defy and break societal norms. Over time, countless great films about these relationships have graced the big screens. From the thought-provoking science fiction Her to the gut-wrenching period drama Portrait of a Lady on Fire , we look back at the best movies about forbidden love .

'Her' (2013)

Director: spike jonze.

Directed by Spike Jonze , this highly unconventional sci-fi romantic drama follows Joaquin Phoenix 's lonely, newly divorced Theodore, who is left to deal with his soul-crushing heartbreak. When he strikes up a friendship with his new artificially intelligent virtual assistant, voiced by Scarlett Johansson , Theodore finds that his world is changing for the better. This leads him to build a strong connection with A.I. device Samantha, who he later falls for.

With incredible cinematography, production design, and world-building, this thought-provoking, Black Mirror -ish movie is essential viewing in the science fiction genre. At its core, Her is a tragic romance movie that deals with forbidden love, loneliness, alienation, and the quest to find meaning . It also inspires artificial intelligence-related questions that are more relevant than ever these days, making viewers wonder if our current technology will ever get that advanced.

Watch on Max

'Titanic' (1997)

Director: james cameron.

The legacy of James Cameron 's Titanic endures unmatched to this day, and for good reason. One of the highest-grossing movies of all time (even when adjusted for inflation), this romantic tragedy is based on the real accounts of the sinking of RMS Titanic in 1912, even though the relationship between its lead characters, a seventeen-year-old aristocrat and a poor artist (played by Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio ) is purely fictional.

While Titanic 's storyline features both historical and fictionalized aspects, the result is nothing short of heartbreaking and breathtaking (especially considering all the stunning visuals and Céline Dion 's timeless song). Dealing with topics of class conflict, love, death, and grief, Cameron's iconic forbidden love tale between Jack and Rose has managed to touch the hearts of many viewers across the globe .

Release Date November 19, 1997

Cast Kathy Bates, Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gloria Stuart, Frances Fisher, Billy Zane

Rating PG-13

Runtime 194 minutes

Genres Drama, Romance, Thriller, Documentary

Watch on Apple TV

'Romeo and Juliet' (1968)

Director: franco zeffirelli.

Although there have been a few adaptations of one of William Shakespeare 's most famous works , Franco Zeffirelli 's 1968 Romeo and Juliet takes a spot at the top of the list as it is very faithful to its source material. Starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey as the titular characters, the romantic tragedy movie focuses on the feud between the Montague and the Capulet clans, which ultimately originates Romeo and Juliet's forbidden bond.

Featuring stunning cinematography that earned the picture a Best Cinematography Academy Award (alongside a Best Costume Design Oscar, too), Romeo and Juliet is certainly a must-see when it comes to forbidden love movies . Although slightly cheesy — as expected from this Shakespeare tale — this is still an effective adaptation that will keep audiences invested throughout.

Romeo and Juliet (1968)

Release Date October 8, 1968

Cast Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, Milo O'Shea, Michael York

Runtime 138 Minutes

Genres Romance

Watch on Fubo

'The Handmaiden' (2016)

Director: park chan-wook.

Told from multiple perspectives , Park Chan-wook 's psychological thriller The Handmaiden is among South Korea's best thanks to its gripping story surrounding a young woman ( Kim Tae-ri ) hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress ( Kim Min-hee ) who is secretly involved in a plot to double-cross her with unexpected results. It is inspired by the 2002 novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters. However, Chan-wook took the liberty of changing the setting from Victorian-era Britain to Korea under Japanese colonial rule.

The perfect pick for those enthusiastic about the historical genre, Chan-wook's utterly captivating psychological drama is guaranteed to provide audiences who decide to hit the play button with a great time. Its unexpected plot twists, visually stunning photography, costume design, and slow-burn queer narrative make the forbidden romance movie stand out from other films in the genre .

The Handmaiden

Release Date June 1, 2016

Cast So-ri Moon, Hae-suk Kim, Min-hie Kim, Jin-woong Jo, Jung-woo Ha, Tae Ri Kim

Runtime 145

Watch on Amazon Prime

'West Side Story' (1961)

Directors: jerome robbins, robert wise.

Although Steven Spielberg 's take on the William Shakespeare tale is not unworthy of admiration, Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise 's take on the film endures the superior one. West Side Story is inspired by Romeo and Juliet and adapted from the 1957 Broadway musical of the same title. Its story follows two youngsters from rival New York City gangs, who fall head over heels for each other. However, tensions between their respective friends arise.

Aside from being the perfect fit for those who are into gripping, melodramatic romantic musicals, the highest-grossing film of 1961 is, at its core, a well-executed piece of filmmaking that will probably fascinate moviegoers who aren't into the genre as well. The forbidden love story of Tony and Maria, brought to life by Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood in this, remains one of the most discussed in both cinema and the stage realm.

West Side Story (1961)

Release Date October 18, 1961

Cast Russ Tamblyn, Richard Beymer, Natalie Wood, Rita Moreno

Runtime 152 minutes

Genres Drama, Romance, Musical

Watch on Hoopla

'Carol' (2015)

Director: todd haynes.

Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in two of their most memorable roles, Todd Haynes ' Carol is set against the backdrop of New York City and illustrates the lustful, forbidden affair between an aspiring female photographer and an unhappily married older woman going through a turbulent divorce. It is based on the groundbreaking 1952 romance novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith .

With six very much deserved Academy Award nominations, Carol is a landmark in LGBTQ+ cinema , often praised for the way it depicts the complexity of lesbian relationships back in the day . Furthermore, the on-screen connection between Blanchett and Mara is likely to pull on audiences' heartstrings, as it is exceptionally believable and emotional, with the stars' fantastic chemistry to blame.

Release Date November 20, 2015

Cast Cate Blanchett, John Magaro, Sarah Paulson, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacy

Runtime 118

Genres Drama, Romance, Documentary

Watch on Netflix

'Atonement' (2007)

Director: joe wright.

Joe Wright 's Atonement is not for the faint of heart. Filled with twists and turns, this soul-wrenching romance film based on the 2001 novel of the same name by Ian McEwan stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as the leading couple and depicts their tragic story which involves a thirteen-year-old girl ( played by a young and talented Saoirse Ronan ) who irrevocably changes the course of several lives after accusing her older sister's lover of a crime he did not commit.

With stunning cinematography and a gripping storyline that meditates on the consequences of seemingly small lies, this Best Picture nominee, which took home the Oscar for Best Original Score, keeps audiences invested. Knightley and McAvoy deliver two tour de forces in Atonement , the perfect forbidden romance watch for those who enjoy moving stories and unexpected narratives .

Release Date September 7, 2007

Cast Julia West, Ailidh Mackay, Brenda Blethyn, Harriet Walter, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan

Runtime 123

Genres Drama, Mystery, Romance, Documentary, War

Watch on Peacock

'Brokeback Mountain' (2005)

Director: ang lee.

Any forbidden love movies list would not be complete without Ang Lee's Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal-led Brokeback Mountain , a neo-Western film that focuses on the relationship between two American shepherds, Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, on the isolated Brokeback Mountain in the American West from 1963 to 1983. As readers would expect, the two develop a physical and emotional relationship.

Equal parts entertaining and heartbreaking, Lee's unforgettable romance movie, adapted by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana from a short story by Annie Proulx , takes the genre to another level by providing audiences with a truly moving viewing that will have them reaching for the tissues. Its portrayal of persevering love and desire between two men in a conservative society is unlike any other.

Brokeback Mountain

Release Date September 10, 2005

Cast Valerie Planche, Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Michelle Williams

Runtime 134

'The Graduate' (1967)

Director: mike nichols.

Nominated for Best Picture and Best Director Oscars, Mike Nichols ' iconic The Graduate — American Film Institute's seventh greatest film of all time — follows Dunstin Hoffman 's 21-year-old college graduate who, while attempting to find direction in life, finds himself torn between his relationship with his older lover ( Anne Bancroft ) and her daughter, Elaine ( Katharine Ross ).

While The Graduate is mostly a commentary about upper-middle-class, mid-life crisis, and existential dread, Nichols' film is still a solid love story about forbidden love , as the protagonist finds himself in the middle of a love triangle he seemingly can not escape. Furthermore, it also offers audiences — particularly younger ones who are still trying to find their place in the world — a somewhat relatable protagonist who may or may not be undergoing some of the same struggles.

The Graduate

Release Date December 21, 1967

Cast Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, Murray Hamilton, Elizabeth Wilson, William Daniels, Dustin Hoffman

Runtime 107

Genres Drama, Romance, Comedy, Documentary

Watch on Criterion

'Portrait of a Lady on Fire' (2019)

Director: céline sciamma.

For readers on the lookout for intense films about longing and yearning with a queer couple at its center, Céline Sciamma 's Portrait of a Lady on Fire is the obvious pick. The 2019 film received many accolades when it came out and cemented itself as one of the most poignant films directed by women. The plot surrounds Adèle Haenel 's aristocrat Héloïse who is supposed to get her wedding portrait done on an isolated island by painter Marianne ( Noémie Merlant ).

Marianne and Héloïse's secret love affair was quite scandalous for the era the film is set in (the end of the eighteenth century), which is why (spoiler alert!) their relationship did not quite work out in the end. The intimate forbidden love tale of Portrait of a Lady on Fire is thoroughly compelling, hard to look away from , and is elevated by two powerhouse performances on top of its stunning cinematography, with each shot looking like it came out of a painting.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Release Date May 29, 2019

Cast Noemie Merlant

Runtime 120

Genres Drama, Romance, Historical

Watch on Hulu

NEXT: 15 Emotional Breakup Movies That Had Everyone Ugly Crying

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‘Forbidden Broadway’ Scraps Summer Broadway Run, Citing Crowded Season

The parody show was scheduled to begin performances in July at the Helen Hayes Theater.

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By Michael Paulson

In a sign that there are not enough investors and ticket buyers to sustain all of the Broadway shows now onstage and in the works, the producers of “Forbidden Broadway” said Friday that they were canceling a planned summer run.

The scrapped production, “ Forbidden Broadway on Broadway: Merrily We Stole a Song ,” was announced in February and was to be the first Broadway venture for the satirical revue, which has been performed periodically since 1982, mostly Off Broadway but also on tour. The show, consisting of comedic sketches that parody Broadway hits (and misses), has been frequently rewritten to remain reasonably timely and topical; the Broadway run was to feature a number of Sondheim spoofs, reflecting the heightened interest in his work since his death.

In a statement, the producers, Ryan Bogner, Victoria Lang and Tracey Stroock McFarland , called the move a postponement, and cited the volume of offerings on Broadway — there are currently 36 shows running, 12 of which opened in a nine-day stretch before the Tony-eligibility season ended Thursday night.

“The Broadway landscape is enormously crowded at this moment,” the producers’ statement said, “and while we adore Forbidden Broadway, we are disappointed that the show will not open at the Hayes on Broadway this summer.”

The show, written by Gerard Alessandrini, was to begin previews July 15 and to open Aug. 5 at the Helen Hayes Theater, and was to be capitalized for $3.2 million, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is not clear if the producers had successfully raised all that money, and ticket sales, which began earlier this month, had been slow.

“Without getting into the details of the financials or sales, it is self evident by looking at the current offerings on Broadway and their sales that in this incredibly crowded environment without recent precedent, the title would not have been served by launching at this time,” the producers said in a written answer to questions about the show’s economics.

This is the second show to cancel a Broadway production this year; in February, the producers of a planned run of Rob Madge’s “My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?)” announced that they were postponing that production less than three weeks before previews were to begin.

As for Madge, the performer is planning to take “My Son’s a Queer” back to the Edinburgh Fringe, this summer . But first, next month Madge is planning a show in London, reflecting on the Broadway disappointment. The title, of course, is “ Regards to Broadway .”

Michael Paulson is the theater reporter for The Times. More about Michael Paulson

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Forbidden Notebook

“I was wrong to buy this notebook, very wrong,” writes Valeria Cossati, the heroine of Alba de Céspedes’s novel Forbidden Notebook , published in 1952. She is worried that someone might discover the diary; keeping it is taking a toll: “If it’s true that the hidden presence of this notebook gives a new flavor to my life, I have to acknowledge that it isn’t making it any happier.” Valeria lives in Rome in the economically strained years after the war, trying to meet the demands of being a wife and mother in a middle-class family, despite the fact that her husband and children disrespect and dismiss her: “In the family you have to pretend not to notice what happens, or at least not to wonder about its meaning.”

What exactly makes Valeria’s notebook “forbidden” shifts over the six months during which she records her increasingly troubled days. In the opening entry she describes how she had to beg a tobacconist to sell the notebook to her on a Sunday, when he was prohibited by a draconian law from selling anything other than tobacco. “I need it,” she tells him, “I absolutely need it,” and he gives in. It is the only time she expresses a desire so directly, the only time she forces a man to bend to her will, and after this unusual moment of insistence her immediate regret seems to infect everything else in her life.

Valeria’s life up to now has revolved around the small apartment she shares with her husband, Michele, and their two grown children, Riccardo and Mirella. Though the family is mostly comfortable, they live paycheck to paycheck, and daily expenses have required Valeria to take a job as a secretary while she fulfills her obligations as a full-time homemaker. Neither of these jobs, professional or domestic, is regarded by her family as real work in comparison with her husband’s position at a bank, or with the future employment her children, both son and daughter, imagine for themselves.

Her inferiority in the domestic hierarchy is an early preoccupation of the novel, full of painful scenes in which Valeria’s family openly mocks her. After dinner one night, she objects to the fact that Mirella keeps a drawer of her desk locked. Mirella defends her right to privacy—she needs a place to keep her diary. “Riccardo does the same thing—it’s where he puts the letters he gets from girls,” she adds. Like a competitive third sibling, Valeria says that she should also be allowed a locked drawer somewhere in the apartment. (Up to this point she’s been anxiously hiding the notebook in various nooks and crannies, as a pet hides its toys.) “For what?” her husband asks. “Well, I don’t know, to keep my personal papers,” she answers, “some notes. Or maybe a diary, like Mirella.” Michele and the children laugh at this idea. “What would you write, mamma?” asks Michele.

Insights about her family’s persistent cruelty gradually populate Valeria’s thoughts: “It seems to me that, although we love each other so much, we protect ourselves from each other like enemies,” she observes. Writing forces her to comprehend almost immediately the devalued position she has come to hold in her own life:

It occurred to me to wonder if my character began to change the day my husband, jokingly, began calling me “mamma.” I liked it a lot at first, because it seemed to imply that I was the only adult in the house, the only one who knew about life.

What she had wanted and felt fated to be as a young woman—a mother—is now a role that both proves her worth and robs her of it.

After having lunch with some female friends, Valeria writes, “I recognize their intention to prove to one another that they’re happy, rich, lucky.” It feels to her as if

they had remained stuck in our school years, and that, of all of us, I alone had grown to adulthood. Eager to be young again, I tried to imitate them. I made an effort to remind myself that we’re nearly the same age, we have a lot of shared memories, we’re all married, have children—so our problems should be the same.

Now that she has begun to question and reflect on the indignities of her domestic life, she pities those women for being unaware of their debasement. It takes an effort now, she thinks, to come down to their level.

The irony is that Valeria frequently reveals herself to be just as ignorant of the power structures at play in her own life. Though the reader can clearly see how the limits of postwar Italy—economically depleted and intensely patriarchal—have stunted her emotional growth, it takes her some time to catch up. And as writing in the notebook increases her self-awareness, the revelations become too much for Valeria to bear.

Alba de Céspedes was born in Rome in 1911, the daughter of the Cuban ambassador (and later Cuban president) Carlos Manuel de Céspedes y Quesada and his Italian wife, Laura Bertini y Alessandri. (Alba’s grandfather Carlos Manuel de Céspedes was the leader of the Cuban revolution for independence from Spain in 1868.) When she was fifteen, de Céspedes married Count Giuseppe Antamoro and moved to France, where she gave birth to a son. She divorced Antamoro when she was twenty and moved back to Rome.

There de Céspedes began her career as a novelist and journalist. Under Mussolini’s regime she was imprisoned twice for antifascist activities. In 1945 she married Franco Bounous, an Italian diplomat who brought her to Paris, Washington, and Havana, but she was uninterested in moving wherever he was posted. They separated in 1958, though they remained married until his death in 1987. Over the course of her career, she become a respected, best-selling novelist, publishing eighteen books between 1935 and 1974.

She also founded and edited the magazine Mercurio , the final issue of which contained an essay titled “On Women” by her contemporary Natalia Ginzburg. Published in 1948, Ginzburg’s essay hinges on the metaphor of the wells that women fall into—periods of self-doubt and torment, unavoidable so long as they are subjugated to men. De Céspedes responded to Ginzburg in a letter, published in the same issue, that puts forth a similarly fatalist feminism: women are “often unhappy in [heterosexual] love” because men cannot understand life with the depth and precision that they do. Neither writer casts any blame for their suffering on the social structures that ensure female servitude. “We would like to find a man who also, at times, falls into the well and, resurfacing, knows what we know,” de Céspedes suggests. “This is impossible, right, dear Natalia?” *

Quaderno proibito , de Céspedes’s ninth novel, was hugely popular when it was published in Italy in 1952. Translated into English as The Secret in 1957, it eventually fell out of print but remained a literary monument—Elena Ferrante cites it as an influence, and readers will find strong echoes of Valeria’s voice and predicament in many of Ferrante’s stubborn and paradoxical heroines. Last year Astra House reissued the novel as Forbidden Notebook , translated by Ann Goldstein.

The text was originally published serially over six months beginning in late 1950 in a weekly magazine called La settimana incom illustrata . Valeria’s fictional diary entries coincided with the magazine’s publication dates, and it’s easy to imagine readers blushing in recognition as she divulged anxieties familiar to housewives and mothers then, anxieties that were never meant to be spoken aloud. As those readers prepared Christmas dinners or came home from Easter services, the character in the latest installment was living through the same holidays and rituals, and in the process spilling their shared secrets and fears onto the page.

Valeria’s own immaturity and reluctance to change become most apparent in her painful relationship with her daughter. They have somewhat predictable, sometimes physical arguments about a woman’s place in society, written almost as dialogues between two visions of femininity’s future—Valeria defends the safe, limited path of marriage and motherhood, while Mirella is determined to pursue the uncertain freedoms of the unconventional life that now seems possible.

Valeria writes about Mirella as if with some kind of unrequited girlhood crush. At one point she stares into a department store window, wishing she could ply her daughter with luxuries, hoping she might “change Mirella’s life and her desires, that I could give her not only some things but everything.” Her longing verges on hatred as she tries to compete for her daughter’s love with Mirella’s boyfriend, Alessandro Cantoni, whom she is prevented from meeting for much of the book.

To Valeria’s dismay, Mirella stays out late drinking with Cantoni one evening, ostentatiously unconcerned about the damage this could do to her reputation. Valeria later tries to assert her authority, to insist that as long as Mirella lives at home she has to obey her parents:

Shaking her head, [Mirella] said it’s impossible for us to understand each other. “You recognize only the authority of the family,” she said. “It’s the only one you were taught to respect, without judging it, thanks to punishment and fear.” “And what do you respect, then?” I asked her sarcastically. She answered seriously, “For now, myself.”

“When I was twenty,” Valeria recalls,

Michele and the children were my fate, even more than my calling. I had only to trust, to obey. If I think about it, that seems to me the cause of Mirella’s restlessness: the possibility of not obeying. That’s what has changed everything, between parents and children, and even between men and women.

But when Valeria was her daughter’s age, World War II had not yet begun. For all Valeria’s development over the course of the novel, she never seems to understand how her daughter faces a starkly different present and future than the young adulthood she herself had; the expectations she imposes on Mirella are ultimately naive.

She finds this possibility of not obeying, embodied by her daughter and slowly explored by Valeria in her own diary, both seductive and disturbing. As a result, Valeria treats both Mirella and the notebook with the same marveling contempt. She obsesses over and cherishes them; she tries to hide and protect them; she despises them, fears them, and loves them, though she constantly finds both her own child and her own thoughts insufficient.

Valeria’s views on how a woman of her generation should live are further troubled by her friend Clara Poletti, who has found success in screenwriting after failure in marriage. Clara lives alone, smoking cigarettes, having affairs, eating chocolates, and generally refusing to conform. “She often asked me if I’d ever cheated on Michele,” Valeria writes. “From another person, who didn’t know me well, I wouldn’t have tolerated that question. Instead with her I’d say, laughing, ‘What nonsense!’” Later in the book, this scene will take on a new meaning when Valeria comes quite close to an infidelity of her own.

Michele, who dreams of quitting his bank job for a career in screenwriting, strikes up a mentorship with Clara that at first looks to everyone but Valeria a lot like an affair. “Very often, looking around, he talks about the furniture in Clara’s house; and I perceive that it’s not the house but Clara he admires,” Valeria writes. But the way she recounts an argument between Riccardo and Mirella reflects how she is trying to ignore the impropriety of Michele’s close relationship with an unmarried woman:

Riccardo claimed that there can’t be friendship between a man and a woman, that men have nothing to say to women, because they have no interests in common, except some precise interests, he added, laughing. Mirella at first maintained the opposite, in a serious tone, bringing up valid arguments, such as the education of the modern woman, her new position in society, but when she heard him laugh that irritating male laugh, she lost control…. I had to intervene, as when they were children, but, as then, I had the impression that Mirella was the stronger; and for that reason alone I would have liked to hit her.

Though so much of the social politics and manners in Forbidden Notebook are dated, this scene, with Valeria’s violent irritation at her daughter being “stronger” and Mirella’s exasperation over “that irritating male laugh,” is disturbingly current. It echoes that famous sentence from Christine Blasey Ford’s 2018 testimony against Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation: “Indelible in the hippocampus is the laughter.”

Riccardo, without directly saying it, is telling his mother that Clara’s relationship with Michele should be a humiliation—women cannot be friends with men because of their innate inferiority, and thus their sexual relationship is blatantly obvious. Though Valeria believes this to be true, she doesn’t want it to be true, and there is the crux of her obsession with Mirella: her daughter represents a different possible future for women, one that Valeria both craves and distrusts. Even if Mirella’s hopes to reach this “new position in society” are met, Valeria will always be imprisoned in her generation.

When Valeria finally does meet Cantoni, she realizes that her daughter’s choices are a refutation of her own disempowered life. Cantoni is quite a bit older than Mirella and is still in the process of divorcing his first wife. When Valeria asks how long it will take him to marry Mirella, Cantoni explains, “Marriage isn’t our goal, we don’t want to be obligated to love each other; every day we choose freely to love each other. You understand, right?” Of course Valeria does not understand, but she tries to look at him “with Mirella’s eyes.” The scene has a confused, painful romance to it; it’s unclear whether she’s jealous of their relationship or simply finds such seemingly equal love impossible to comprehend.

The conversation with Cantoni energizes Valeria in a new way. She confesses to having become accustomed to “the habit of lying; the gesture of hiding the notebook is familiar to me…. I’ve ended up by getting used to things that, at first, I judged unacceptable.” She impulsively deepens a subtle but increasingly intense emotional affair that’s been developing with her boss for months. After she indirectly suggests that they might go away together, he agrees, then “he held me tenderly in his arms, brushed my temples with his lips, and murmured that we can’t give up love, happiness, we have the right. ‘Full rights,’ he repeated.” It is the first time they’ve even touched, but the fantasy of escaping has an undeniable weight.

The moment echoes something Michele says earlier in the book, himself parroting an idea he has absorbed from Clara:

“There’s a right…that derives from the intrinsic value of each of us. So what for one might be a fault, for others isn’t. At a certain point in life you have to be aware of your own situation and assert it; that, too, is a duty.”

It’s a duty that Valeria shirks, too inhibited and oppressed to assert much of anything. No one can enjoy a right they don’t believe they deserve.

Rather than possess her desires, Valeria dissociates. It is the only way she can explain acting on the urge to have a real affair with her boss, or to any passion at all: “When Michele and I were engaged, I sinned with him, but I pretended to do it reluctantly, swept away by him, without consenting.” It’s no wonder that Valeria intends to destroy the notebook in the end, just as she gives up all hope that Mirella will ever lead a life that doesn’t appear to Valeria to be dangerous and shameful. As punishment for sharpening Valeria’s awareness of the limits she lives within, both diary and daughter must be rejected. Self-awareness is the first step toward escaping subjugation, but Valeria chooses to remain blind.

Yet de Céspedes’s perspective on her narrator isn’t moralizing; there is simply no better life waiting for Valeria. As we learn from de Céspedes’s letter to Ginzburg, “All suffering is in a woman’s life,” and nothing can grant women “the confidence that men so often possess” because they gain that confidence through “ignorance of the true human condition.” It may seem like willful victimhood to the twenty-first-century reader, but to de Céspedes, suffering is the inescapable cost a woman must pay for vivid understanding of her world.

Choosing Pragmatism Over Textualism

‘Give Me Joy’

The Whistleblower We Deserve

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Catherine Lacey is the author of Biography of X and four other books. She is currently a fellow at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library. (May 2024)

Their exchange appeared in English for the first time, translated by Alessandra Bastagli and with an introduction by Ann Goldstein, as “On Women,” The New York Review , December 22, 2022.  ↩

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