De Gustibus --

by Robert Browning — a poem card from Justes Mots

Two lovers envision their ghosts in contrasting landscapes—one in an English lane with young lovers in springtime, the other in a rugged Italian villa overlooking the sea—each claiming their true home and eternal allegiance to place and love. The poem balances two visions of romantic happiness and belonging, celebrating both pastoral English charm and passionate Italian landscape. It suits those devoted to specific places, romantic memory, and the permanence of love across death.

Your ghost will walk, you lover of trees,
(If our loves remain)
In an English lane,
By a cornfield-side a-flutter with poppies.
Hark, those two in the hazel coppice
A boy and a girl, if the good fates please,
Making love, say,
The happier they!…

Themes: love · new-baby · wedding · friendship