And what are you that, missing you, I should be kept awake…
“And what are you that, missing you, I should be kept awake As many nights as there are days With weeping for your sake? And what are you that, missing you, As many days as crawl I should be listening to the wind And looking at the wall? I know a man that’s a braver man And twenty men as kind, And what are you, that you should be The one man in my mind? Yet women’s ways are witless ways, As any sage will tell,— And what am I, that I should love So wisely and so well?”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem explores longing, love, and the complexities of desire, questioning identity and societal expectations.
In simple terms: A yearning for love and self‑understanding amidst societal constraints.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic connection and self‑acceptance.
Themes
love
identity
societal expectations
Mood
reflective
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- romantic relationships
- personal growth
- artistic expression
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
existential longing
gender roles
poetic introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does love mean to you beyond societal roles?
- How can you honor your desires while respecting others?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize struggle without offering solutions.