An Apprehension

by Elizabeth Barrett Browning — a poem card from Justes Mots

A Petrarchan sonnet exploring the speaker's hesitation to be fully known even by the most compassionate friends, fearing judgment of her deepest motivations and sorrows. She finds ultimate comfort only in the constant, non-judgmental presence of God. Browning articulates the paradox of human loneliness and divine intimacy.

If all the gentlest-hearted friends I know
Concentred in one heart their gentleness,
That still grew gentler till its pulse was less
For life than pity, I should yet be slow
To bring my own heart nakedly below
The palm of such a friend, that he should press
Motive, condition, means, appliances,
…

Themes: gratitude · friendship · admiration · reflection