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First love Quote by John Clare

“First Love I ne’er was struck before that hour With love so sudden and so sweet, Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower And stole my heart away complete. My face turned pale as deadly pale, My legs refused to walk away, And when she looked, what could I ail? My life and all seemed turned to clay…” quote by John Clare
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““ First Love I ne’er was struck before that hour With love so sudden and so sweet, Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower And stole my heart away complete. My face turned pale as deadly pale, My legs refused to walk away, And when she looked, what could I ail? My life and all seemed turned to clay. And then my blood rushed to my face And took my eyesight quite away, The trees and bushes round the place Seemed midnight at noonday. I could not see a single thing, Words from my eyes did start— They spoke as chords do from the string, And blood burnt round my heart. Are flowers the winter’s choice? Is love’s bed always snow? She seemed to hear my silent voice, Not love's appeals to know. I never saw so sweet a face As that I stood before. My heart has left its dwelling-place And can return no more.””

John Clare

About This Quote

Source Poem: Love Poem, early 19th century, unpublished

A speaker describes an overwhelming, almost physical love that renders him helpless and dazzled, comparing it to winter and loss of sight.

In simple terms: Intense love makes him feel faint and lost.

Key Takeaway

Recognize love’s power but stay grounded.

Themes

love overwhelm physical reaction winter metaphor

Mood

intense melancholic

Type

poetic personal

When to use this quote

  • first love confession
  • personal diary
  • poetic expression

Key Concepts

romanticism sensory overload emotional intensity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love change perception?
  • When does love become harmful?
A Different Perspective

Love can be blinding and immobilizing.

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