The Difference
The Difference - meaning Summary
Love's Presence Then Absence
The poem contrasts two emotional states tied to a relationship: when the lovers were together the speaker welcomed even bitter suffering because it was shared; now, after separation, the speaker experiences long-sought joy that feels empty and bitter because it cannot be shared. It explores how presence and mutual feeling can validate pain and how absence can hollow pleasure, emphasizing emotional dependency on shared experience.
Read Complete AnalysesWhen we were together, heart of my heart, on that unforgotten quest, With your tender arm about me thrown and your head upon my breast, There came a grief that was bitter and deep and straitly dwell with me, And I shunned it not, so sweet it was to suffer and be with thee. And now when no more against mine own is beating thine eager heart, When thine eyes are turned from the glance of mine and our ways are far apart, A dear and long-sought joy has come my constant guest to be, And I love it not, so bitter it is, unfelt, unshared, by thee.
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