Love, We Must Part Now
Love, We Must Part Now - form Summary
Sonnet of Deliberate Separation
This sonnet frames a romantic parting as a controlled, dignified separation rather than an anguished rupture. Larkin moves from regret and excess "moonlight" sentiment to a clearer daylight resolve, presenting the speakers as willing to let the relationship be repurposed. The closing ship imagery turns farewell into a natural, directional departure—two vessels setting courses apart—emphasizing acceptance, calmness, and the inevitability of moving on.
Read Complete AnalysesLove, we must part now: do not let it be Calamitious and bitter. In the past There has been too much moonlight and self-pity: Let us have done with it: for now at last Never has sun more boldly paced the sky, Never were hearts more eager to be free, To kick down worlds, lash forests; you and I No longer hold them; we are husks, that see The grain going forward to a different use. There is regret. Always, there is regret. But it is better that our lives unloose, As two tall ships, wind-mastered, wet with light, Break from an estuary with their courses set, And waving part, and waving drop from sight.
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