A Letter To Her Husband

by Anne Bradstreet — a poem card from Justes Mots

Bradstreet expresses tender longing for her absent husband during his public service, using astronomical metaphors to describe their separation and reunion. She portrays herself as earth mourning her sun and celebrates their spiritual unity despite physical distance, emphasizing how their children are living reminders of his presence. The poem exemplifies intimate marital devotion across the centuries.

Absent upon Public Employment

My head, my heart, mine eyes, my life, nay more,
My joy, my magazine, of earthly store,
If two be one, as surely thou and I,
How stayest thou there, whilst I at Ipswich lie?
So many steps, head from the heart to sever,
If but a neck, soon should we be together.…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship