I Need Not Go Poem by Thomas Hardy

A sweet, innocent touch to a carnal subject matter.

could be possible he was talking about his poetry? he was too busy writing stories.

Beautiful simple flowing lines, apparently he is more casual in the relationship than she, however a hint of her displeasure if he takes her for granted, and his undecided feelings; give the future of the relationship an inquisitive contemplative open ending, the reader can wander in at will.

I love this poem, though to my eye, the language drips with ironic intent. No long left love will simply excuse the litany of lies the central character rehearses to himself. Of course she will 'upbraid' and 'blame' him, but he is so caught up in his 'company', his 'world' his 'stress and strain' that he pushes the romantic ideal his love seeks further aside - never abandoning it, for that would engender too much guilt, but simply procrastinating the idyllic moment 'by Cypress sough' (i.e. a scene underneath the gentle whistle of wind through the branches of a Cypress tree) that seem less and less real. The character's love is doomed, but he does not know it yet and the pathos in the last line 'but suffer it so' seems to reflect his future doom brought on by this way of thinking.

On the face of it an unpleasant poem. But it should be remembered that the person in the poem is not Hardy himself. The power of the poet is in his imaginative reach. He is able to reflect experiences he himself has not had. We do not think Shakespeare's amazing creation of a young girl in love in Romeo and Juliet is autobiographical. To infer autobiography from a poem is to mistake the nature of poetry. In this poem Hardy paints a picture of a type of man, not of himself.

Almost certainly refers to Emam Gifford

And if some day, When none cries nay, I still delay To seek her side, (Though ample measure Of fitting leisure Await my pleasure) She will not chide............./// superb and great expression

Well expressed thoughts and feelings. An insightful work of art.......................................................

Man, you've got HER " under your thumb" ! ! ! ! this shall join other P H poems in my April 2019 showcase. thanks, dead guy. bri ;)

New cares may claim me, New loves inflame me, She will not blame me, But suffer it so. the great Hardy...... great poem. tony