Why not live my whole life with you near?

Why not live my whole life with you near,
And offer each breath to your presence dear?

Let my heart and my soul for you be spent,
With every breath, to your beauty bent.

My eyes pause on you, O muse of my art,
Tell me, why not guard your gaze with my heart?

A thought of your beauty now fills my care,
To part your locks on your brow so fair.

If losing’s my fate, then let it be grand,
I’ll lose my life with a bold, brave stand.

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Detailed Analysis

1st Couplet

“Why not live my whole life with you near,
And offer each breath to your presence dear?”

The poet begins by expressing a desire to spend an entire lifetime with the beloved. This isn’t just a casual wish but a deep longing for constant companionship. The poet further vows to dedicate every single breath to the beloved, highlighting the depth of their affection. It’s as if their very existence is tied to the presence of this person. The lines reflect the idea of unconditional love, where being with the beloved becomes the sole purpose of life.

2nd Couplet

“Let my heart and my soul for you be spent,
With every breath, to your beauty bent.”

Here, the poet speaks of sacrificing everything for the beloved. The heart symbolises emotions, while the soul signifies the essence of existence. The poet is ready to give both to their love, showing complete devotion. Each breath they take is offered as a tribute to the beloved’s beauty. This couplet reflects the idea that true love involves both admiration and selfless dedication.

3rd Couplet

“My eyes pause on you, O muse of my art,
Tell me, why not guard your gaze with my heart?”

In this couplet, the poet confesses that their gaze remains fixed on the beloved. The word "pause" implies that the beloved's beauty captivates them so much that they cannot look away. The beloved is described as a “muse,” meaning an inspiration for the poet's creativity and thoughts. The poet then asks a rhetorical question: why shouldn’t they protect the beloved’s gaze with their heart? This shows how much the poet values and treasures the beloved's presence, wanting to shield and honour every look.

4th Couplet

“A thought of your beauty now fills my care,
To part your locks on your brow so fair.”

In these lines, the poet imagines the act of adorning or arranging the beloved's hair, particularly on their forehead. This image signifies an intimate, loving gesture. By thinking of the beloved's beauty, the poet feels inspired to enhance it even further. It’s not about changing the beloved but about cherishing and celebrating their natural grace. These lines reflect how true love notices the smallest details and takes joy in them.

5th Couplet

“If losing’s my fate, then let it be grand,
I’ll lose my life with a bold, brave stand.”

The poet concludes by addressing the inevitability of loss. In love, the poet acknowledges that there’s always a risk of heartbreak or defeat. However, if losing is destined, the poet wants to face it with courage and dignity. The phrase "a bold, brave stand" suggests that the poet would rather lose everything with honour than give up without effort. This couplet reflects the resilience of love—true lovers don’t fear failure; they embrace it as part of their journey.

Themes and Ideas

The poem as a whole is about selfless love, devotion, and beauty. It speaks of giving everything for the beloved—time, emotions, and even life itself. The poet's admiration for the beloved is not just physical but also deeply emotional and spiritual.

At the same time, it reflects the vulnerability of love. The poet is aware that loss is a possibility but chooses to embrace it with courage. These lines show that love is not just about joy and admiration; it is also about sacrifice, patience, and bravery.

Ultimately, the poem celebrates the beauty of pure and unconditional love. It reminds us that love is about giving, cherishing, and facing challenges with grace. The poet’s words are a timeless tribute to the power of true affection.