Poems About Forbidden Love: Lovers Who Can't Be Together

Love is a powerful force that can both bind and break us. Sometimes, circumstances conspire against two souls who long to be together, resulting in a heartbreaking tale of forbidden love. Throughout history, poets have captured the bittersweet essence of these relationships, exploring the depths of longing, desire, and the pain of separation. In this article, we will delve into the world of poetry that explores the theme of lovers who cannot be together, examining how poets have beautifully expressed the complexities of these forbidden connections.

1. "The Good-Morrow" by John Donne

"The Good-Morrow" is a classic poem by the renowned English poet, John Donne. In this sonnet, Donne explores the idea that true love transcends physical presence, as the lovers' souls are eternally connected. Despite being physically separated, their love remains strong, representing a love that surpasses mere proximity.

I wonder by my troth, what thou and I
Did, till we lov'd? were we not wean'd till then?
But suck'd on countrey pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seaven sleepers den?
'Twas so; But this, all pleasures fancies bee.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desir'd, and got, 'twas but a dreame of thee.

2. "The Flea" by John Donne

Another captivating poem by John Donne, "The Flea", takes a different approach to forbidden love. In this metaphysical poem, the speaker uses a flea as a symbol to argue in favor of physical intimacy between them and their beloved. The flea, which has bitten both of them, represents a physical union that society forbids. This clever and seductive poem challenges societal norms and restrictions.

Mark but this flea, and mark in this,
How little that which thou deny'st me is;
It suck'd me first, and now sucks thee,
And in this flea our two bloods mingled be;
Thou know'st that this cannot be said
A sin, or shame, or loss of maidenhead,

3. "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes

In "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes, the speaker tells the tragic tale of a highwayman and his lover, Bess, who is an innkeeper's daughter. The poem explores the themes of love, sacrifice, and the futility of their love due to the circumstances that ultimately tear them apart. The highwayman, pursued by soldiers, sacrifices himself to save Bess, resulting in a heart-wrenching ending that exemplifies the timeless trope of forbidden love.

But the landlord's black-eyed daughter,
Bess, the landlord's daughter,
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair.

4. "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe's hauntingly beautiful poem, "Annabel Lee", is a testament to a love that transcends life and death. The speaker mourns the loss of his beloved Annabel Lee and describes the intense love they shared. The poem explores themes of eternity, loss, and the tragic separation imposed by death, leaving the reader with a deep sense of the lovers' eternal connection despite their physical separation.

And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side
Of my darling—my darling—my life and my bride,
In her sepulchre there by the sea,
In her tomb by the sounding sea.

Forbidden love has always held a special place in poetry, as poets skillfully express the complexities and emotions associated with lovers who cannot be together. These poems serve as a reminder that love, even when faced with insurmountable obstacles, can still be a source of inspiration, beauty, and profound longing. Through their artistry, poets shed light on the universal theme of forbidden love, allowing us to reflect on the power of love and its ability to transcend societal boundaries.