Underrated Poems about Love: Gems Waiting to be Discovered

Love, a universal emotion that transcends time and space, has been a muse for countless poets throughout history. While poems like Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 and Keats' Ode to a Nightingale are widely celebrated, there are numerous hidden treasures in the world of poetry that deserve more recognition. In this article, we will explore a handful of underrated poems about love that beautifully capture the complexities and nuances of this cherished emotion.

1. "somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond" by E.E. Cummings

E.E. Cummings, known for his unconventional style, penned this exquisite love poem that delves into the depths of vulnerability and surrender. With his characteristic use of unconventional capitalization and punctuation, Cummings creates a unique rhythm that beautifully mirrors the erratic nature of love itself. The poem is a testament to the power of love, which has the ability to both liberate and bind.

Excerpt:
your slightest look easily will unclose me
though i have closed myself as fingers,
you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens
(touching skilfully, mysteriously) her first rose

2. "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World" by Richard Wilbur

Richard Wilbur's "Love Calls Us to the Things of This World" offers a fresh perspective on love by juxtaposing the mundane with the extraordinary. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Wilbur explores how love's influence can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. The poem speaks to the power of love, urging us to see beauty and meaning in the simplest of things.

Excerpt:
Oh, let there be nothing on earth but laundry,
Nothing but rosy hands in the rising steam
And clear dances done in the sight of heaven.

3. "Love After Love" by Derek Walcott

Derek Walcott's "Love After Love" is a profound reflection on self-love and the journey of rediscovering oneself after a love has ended. With its simple yet evocative language, the poem resonates deeply with readers, reminding us to find solace and strength within ourselves. It serves as a gentle reminder that self-love is essential in order to truly love another.

Excerpt:
Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

4. "The Weary Blues" by Langston Hughes

While primarily known for his contributions to the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes also crafted powerful poems about love. "The Weary Blues" is a poignant exploration of love's ability to heal and bring solace. Through vivid descriptions and rhythmic language, Hughes paints a vivid picture of a weary soul finding refuge in music, love, and the power of human connection.

Excerpt:
He slept like a rock or a man that's dead
And the stars never danced, but the melody
Bore him to sleep with its sweet tone
Sleep, sleep to-night, and may your dreams

While well-known love poems hold a special place in our hearts, it is important to acknowledge the abundance of underrated gems that often go unnoticed. The poems mentioned above are just a taste of the vast array of lesser-known works that explore love in all its complexity. So, let us venture beyond the familiar and discover these hidden treasures, for they have the power to touch our souls and deepen our understanding of love.