A Pearl, A Girl

by Robert Browning — a poem card from Justes Mots

A lyrical celebration of transformative love, comparing it to a magical pearl or talisman. Browning equates a woman's love with divine power—capable of making one 'lord of heaven and earth.' The poem elevates romantic devotion to a spiritual plane, suggesting that true love transcends worldly value and creates its own universe.

A simple ring with a single stone,
To the vulgar eye no stone of price:
Whisper the right word, that alone,
Forth starts a sprite, like fire from ice,
And lo, you are lord (says an Eastern scroll)
Of heaven and earth, lord whole and sole
Through the power in a pearl.
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Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship